With the anti-infective properties of nanomaterials a hot prospect at the moment, the EPA has registered nanosilver as a materials preservative.
NSPW Nanosilver has been registered for use in specified textiles, including fabrics, sportswear, footwear, linens and awnings. NSPW Nanosilver would be embedded within plastic beads or pellets in a closed loop process to eliminate risk of escape into the environmemnt during manufacture. The leach rate of nanosilver derived from NSPW-treated textiles is below the limit of detection and so the potential for environmental exposure of the polymer is presumed to be negligible.
A previous conditional registration for nanosilver, which was challenged and overturned has led to this application with a modified use pattern, expected to limit exposures.
Full text HERE.
