Book excerpt: This volume written by 25 experts from industry and research provides a thorough overview of commerically important and environmentally mobile organosilicon materials. It outlines the structure, properties and applications of the four most significant material classes, and summarizes their environmental entry, transport, fate and impact. Detection and analytical methods are discussed both in the context of environmental assay and ecotoxicity testing along with some of the challenges. Measurement/estimation techniques and data available for several eco-pertinent properties of selected organosilicon compounds are summarized and limitations of the estimation and expertimental methods discussed. The environmental laws/regulations/trends in the U.S., Europe and Japan are discussed, along with their relevance to organosilicon materials. The book concludes with a broad overview of the major markets and global silicone producers, reviewing the industry's stewardship initiatives, relevant HES (health, environmental and safety) organizations and global cooperation.