Small risks

Valued for it’s antibacterial and odour-fighting properties, nanoparticle silver is becoming the star attraction in a range of products from socks to bandages. But now, two US researchers are recommending a closer examination of its consequences to the environment.

'The general public needs to be aware that there are unknown risks associated with the products they buy containing nanomaterials,' said Arizona State University researchers Paul Westerhoff and Troy M. Benn.

Westerhoff and Benn report that ordinary laundering can wash off substantial amounts of the nanosilver particles from socks impregnated with the material. The researchers suggest that the particles, intended to prevent foot odour, could travel through a wastewater treatment system and enter natural waterways where they might have unwanted effects on aquatic organisms living in the water and possibly humans, too.

A report on their findings is scheduled to be presented at the 235th national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

'This is the first report of anyone looking at the release of silver from this type of manufactured clothing product,' the researchers claimed.