A REVIEW OF SILICON AND SILICONE DETERMINATION IN TISSUE AND BODY-FLUIDS - A NEED FOR STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

The role of Si in nature is briefly described, especially the toxic pr operties of inorganic and organic Si for humans. The use of different forms of silicones in medicine and food industry is noted and potentia l consequences of their use are discussed. Since Si is an essential tr ace element there is need for establishment of the ''normal'' level of Si in blood, other body fluids and tissues and development of speciat ion of Si forms in biological samples. Numerous difficulties in the de termination of Si are described and the need for SRM is stressed. The results of the determination of Si in blood of patients with Si breast implants and controls, Si in milk and blood of nursing mothers - with and without Si boast implants and extractable Si in capsules - are su mmarized. The obtained data reinforce the need for a reliable SRM.