According to a new study, silver nanoparticles in clothing can
have a severe environmental impact on the environment. The
nanosilver, which is toxic to bacteria and higher organisms, is
released into water systems after clothing has been washed. In a
study conducted by Chalmers researcher Rickard Arvidsson, the
risks associated with nanomaterials were addressed. Arvidsson
has developed new methods to assess the risks of nanomaterials,
as well as used the methods on a few specific materials such as
silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles have an antibacterial
effect, and are used in a variety of consumer products such as
workout clothing to prevent the smell of sweat. When the clothes
are washed, nanoparticles are released and enter waste water
treatment plants through waste water. The particles release
silver ions that cannot be broken down at waste water treatment
plants or in nature. “Clothing is considered to be a large
source of nanosilver emissions already,” says Rickard Arvidsson.
“If silver usage in