Silver
Nanoparticles: A Potential Pollutant
[Posted 04/11/2008]
Scientists at Arizona State University conducted an
experiment to determine whether the nanoparticle
silver used as an odor-fighting ingredient in
commercially available socks is getting into the
water supply. They presented their findings April 6
at the national meeting of the American Chemical
Society.
The
authors tested six pairs of name brand anti-odor
socks by soaking them in a jar of water and shaking
the contents for an hour. Then they tested the
water for two types of silver—the harmful “ionic”
form and the less-studied nanoparticle variety.
They concluded that ordinary laundering can wash
off substantial amounts of the nanosilver particles
from socks impregnated with the material, and that
different socks released silver at different rates.
According to study co-author Troy M. Benn, if
sufficient nanosilver leaches out of these socks
and escapes wastewater treatment systems into
nearby lakes, rivers, and streams, it could damage
aquatic ecosystems. Ionic silver, the dissolved
form of the element, can hijack chemical processes
essential for life in other microbes and aquatic
animals. Benn added that ionic silver is toxic to
humans only at very high levels.
Related Links:
OHSOnline Article
Chemical & Engineering News
systoc.com News Article from 01/02/08
Occupational Health Tracker Article from Summer 2007
Occupational Health Tracker Article from Autumn 2006
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