Abstract
We wish to thank Fewtrell, Majuru, and Hunter for their article highlighting genotoxic risks associated with the use of particulate silver for primary drinking water treatment. The recent promotion of colloidal silver products for household water treatment in developing countries is problematic due to previously identified concerns regarding manufacturing quality and questionable advertising practices, as well as the low efficiency of silver nanoparticles to treat bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in source waters. However, in the conclusion statement of the manuscript, Fewtrell et al. state, “Before colloidal Ag or AgNP are used in filter matrices for drinking water treatment, consideration needs to be given to how much silver is likely to be released from the matrix during the life of the filter.” Unfortunately, it appears Fewtrell et al. were unaware that studies of silver nanoparticle and silver ion elution from ceramic filters manufactured and used in developing countries have already been completed. These existing studies have found that: 1) silver ions, not silver nanoparticles, are eluted from ceramic filters treated with silver nanoparticles or silver nitrate; and, 2) silver ions have not been shown to be genotoxic. Thus, the existing recommendation of applying silver nanoparticles to ceramic filters to prevent biofilm formation within the filter and improve microbiological efficacy should still be adhered to, as there is no identified risk to people who drink water from ceramic filters treated with silver nanoparticles or silver nitrate. We note that efforts should continue to minimize exposure to silver nanoparticles (and silica) to employees in ceramic filter factories in collaboration with the organizations that provide technical assistance to ceramic filter factories.
Highlights
Ceramic water filters are locally manufactured in more than 50 countries worldwide [5], are considered one of the most promising household water treatment methods [6], and application of silver nanoparticles or silver nitrate (AgNO3) has been shown to reduce biofilm formation within, and improve the microbiological efficacy of, ceramic water filters [7]
The work completed by Garboś was not conducted in matrices similar to the ceramic filters manufactured in developing countries and the authors appear to be unaware that studies of silver nanoparticle and silver ion elution from ceramic filters manufactured and used in developing countries have already been completed [4]
Since all 16 studies identified in the Fewtrell et al [1] review focused on the genotoxic risk of silver nanoparticles, rather than the risk from silver ions, the conclusions of the Fewtrell et al [1] are not applicable to exposure from drinking water treated with locallymanufactured ceramic filters impregnated with silver nanoparticles or silver nitrate
Summary
We wish to thank Fewtrell, Majuru, and Hunter [1] for their article highlighting genotoxic risks associated with the use of particulate silver for primary drinking water treatment. The recent promotion of colloidal silver products for household water treatment in developing countries is problematic due to previously identified concerns regarding manufacturing quality and questionable advertising practices [2], as well as the low efficiency of silver nanoparticles to treat bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in source waters [3]. Potential genotoxic impacts of silver nanoparticles represent an additional concern, and highlights the need to carefully consider their use for household drinking water treatment in developing countries. Lantagne et al Environmental Health (2017) 16:121 water treatment, consideration needs to be given to how much silver is likely to be released from the matrix during the life of the filter (e.g., work by Garboś and colleagues).”. Lantagne et al Environmental Health (2017) 16:121 water treatment, consideration needs to be given to how much silver is likely to be released from the matrix during the life of the filter (e.g., work by Garboś and colleagues).” the work completed by Garboś was not conducted in matrices similar to the ceramic filters manufactured in developing countries and the authors appear to be unaware that studies of silver nanoparticle and silver ion elution from ceramic filters manufactured and used in developing countries have already been completed [4]
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