Are silicone products safer than plastic?

It's not possible to simply say "yes" or "no" when comparing the safety of silicone and plastic products, as both encompass many types and vary in quality. However, generally speaking, high-quality silicone products are considered to have advantages in certain key areas, especially when in contact with food, in high-temperature environments, and where long-term stability is required, for the following reasons:

● Better heat stability, safer at high temperatures (Temperature resistance):

Silicone products: Extremely heat-resistant, generally able to withstand oven temperatures (up to 200 degrees Celsius or even higher) and repeated steaming and sterilization. At high temperatures, food-grade silicone does not easily decompose, and the risk of releasing harmful substances is very low.
Plastic products: Ordinary plastics (such as PP, PE, etc.) have limited heat resistance. Many plastics deform, soften, or may even release chemical substances (such as bisphenol A/BPA, phthalates, etc.) at high temperatures, especially when in contact with oily or acidic foods. Although there are heat-resistant plastics (such as PPSU), special attention should be paid to the labeling when choosing them.

● More chemically stable, less likely to leach substances (Chemical inertness):

Silicone products: Excellent chemical stability. It does not easily react with other substances and has strong resistance to acids, alkalis, and oils. This means it is less likely to leach chemical substances into food or onto the skin. Food-grade and medical-grade silicone have particularly strict requirements in this regard.
Plastic products: Some plastics (especially PVC containing additives, certain PCs, etc.) may leach plasticizers, bisphenol A, and other chemical substances under specific conditions (such as prolonged contact, heating, contact with oil). Long-term exposure to these substances may have potential health effects. Choosing food-contact plastics (such as PP, Tritan) is relatively safe, but the labeling must be carefully checked.

● More durable, less prone to aging and shedding particles (Durability and aging):

Silicone products: Very durable with excellent anti-aging properties. Not easily brittle, cracked, or decomposed, and has a long service life. Less likely to produce microplastic particles.
Plastic products: Many plastics age, become brittle, fade, and crack over time and with use (especially with exposure to light and high temperatures), eventually potentially breaking down into microplastic particles. The potential impact of these microplastics on the environment and the human body is a concern in recent years.

● Higher Safety for Special Applications (Biocompatibility):

Silicone Products: Medical-grade silicone, due to its extremely high biocompatibility, is widely used in implants (such as breast implants, catheters), medical devices, and baby products (pacifiers, teething toys). This indicates that it is considered relatively safe and reliable when in long-term contact with human tissues or bodily fluids.
Plastic Products: Although medical-grade plastics exist, their use in implant applications requiring extremely high biocompatibility is not as widespread as silicone. Baby products made from ordinary plastics, if the material is of poor quality or deteriorates, may have a higher risk of releasing harmful substances.