Nanosilver in Medical and Consumer Products: Risks for Health and Environment?

Abstract

Background Nanosilver is the most used nanoscaled material in consumer products in Germany, whereas most consumers are not aware of which products contain nanosilver. The biocidal effect is used not only for preservation of materials but more often against the real or supposed risk of infection or only against unpleasant odours caused by bacteria. Today there is no obligation for marking the products and the term „nano“ isn’t protected by law. Within the new Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR) this gap will be filled regarding nano-biocides from 1.9.2013 on. Aims The potentail risks for the environment and health is not clear yet. The effect of nanosilver is mainly biocidal. Nanoparticles are washed out the treated products into the waste water and into the environment. There are strong scientific efforts in estimating the risks for the different compartments of the environment. Methods This overview concerns new products with nanotechnological protection and highlights the discussion in Germany regarding the environmental and health implications caused by the use of nanosilver in particular. Last but not least some demands from the non-governmental point of view are presented. Results The scientific community is mainly convinced that the use of nanosilver in consumer products is needless and probably more harmful than useful. Nanosilver is accused to contribute to a high degree to the increasing antibiotic resistance of pathogens and is toxic to human cells. Most of the Non-Governmental Organisations support strongly the restriction of any use for medical indications only. They are in favour of an inventory and an effective marking of all kinds of products with nanoscaled material. This is in process because under the new BPR a labelling of nanomaterial is obilgated. An inventory of all kinds of nanoscaled materials is under discussion on the European level. Conclusions The new BPR is one step in the right direction to assess the risks of nanosilver in products.