Call for more research on Silver Nanotechnologies
The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN)at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington D.C., published areport discussing the environmental impact of silver nanoparticles. Entitled ‘Silver Nanotechnologies and the Environment: Old Problems or New Challenges?’, the report reviews the scientific literature on silver and gives the following recommendations with regard to nanosilver:
- Integrate nanosilver risk research needs into a unified, multi-agency, stakeholder-vetted nanotech dialogue. […]
- Assign responsibilities, resources and timelines for implementing the research strategy, and clearly identify mechanisms that will lead to better and more effective translation of the new knowledge into decision making.
- Integrate research among international research programs to leverage resources and ensure timely and relevant progress. […]
- Develop and share appropriate terminologies to underpin research and oversight.
- Define clear rules for defining a product’s ingredients that take into account its unique physical and chemical attributes. […]
- Assess what information is needed to oversee safe use of nanosilver, over and above that for managing the impact of ionic silver (or non-nanosilver).
- Assess the relevance and shortcomings of current silver-relevant regulations.
The author concludes that ‘great potential exists for invaluable uses in medical devices and water purification, to name two. But it is naïve to assume benefits will come from every imaginable nanosilver product without potential to cause harm. […]
Ultimately, policy decisions must be science based.’
Follow these links to download the full report, or to find out more about the PEN Nanosilver report.
Related Links:
In just one day, the Los Angeles Times dedicated three articles to the debate on the use on nanosilver as an antibacterial. (4th August 2008)
The US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) has published a statement clarifying its competence to regulate products containing nanoscale materials, and its ongoing activities to do so. (22nd July 2008)
A coalition of consumer protection, health and environmental groups, led by the Washington-based International Center for Technology Assessment (CTA), filed a legal petition with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), demanding the agency to halt the sale of consumer products containing silver nanoparticles. (1st May 2008)
Researchers from the University of Missouri have raised concern about a potential increase of anti-microbial silver particles in waste water, caused by the growing incorporation of silver particles into consumer products. (29th April 2008)
Researchers form Arizona State University recommended better standards for products containing silver nanoparticles, since simple leeching experiments in distilled water had shown that some anti-odor socks allegedly impregnated with silver nanoparticles, rapidly released their silver-content, while others caused no release at all. (7th April 2008)
The US Environment protection Agency (EPA) has fined a Southern California technology company US$208,000 for 'nano coating' pesticide claims on computer peripherals. (5th March 2008)
The NTP (US National Toxicology Programme) continuously solicits and accepts nominations for toxicological studies to be undertaken by the program. Along with several other substances, NTP is requesting comments on the need to study nanoscale gold and silver. (29th March 2007)