newish paint-waxes, sealers? what

What is "silicon dioxide"? I always thought it was just an industrial abrasive, like what many grinding wheels are made from. Or used as "grit" in many sandpapers. So why would it be used in "paint sealant"? I have no idea, but it sounds awful fishy to me.

Anyways, per "Medical News Today":

Silicon dioxide occurs widely in nature. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) give an idea to just how common this compound is.

It is easiest to recognize by its common name, quartz, which makes up about 12% of the earth’s crust. However, silicon dioxide also occurs naturally in everything from water and plants to animals.

Silica sand covers many beaches, and it makes up most of the rocks on earth. In fact, silica-containing minerals or silica itself make up more than 95% of the earth’s crust.

Silicon dioxide also exists in numerous plants that humans regularly consume, such as:

• dark, leafy greens
• some grains and cereals, such as oats and brown rice
• vegetables, such as beets and bell peppers
• alfalfa

Silicon dioxide also occurs naturally in the human body, though it is still unclear the exact role it plays.

Manufacturers use silica to make everything from glass to cement, but it also has a use in the food industry as an additive and anticaking agent. This type of food additive prevents foods from caking or sticking together in clumps. This may help ensure a product’s shelf life, protect against the effects of moisture, and keep powdered ingredients from sticking together and helping them flow smoothly.