What is the disadvantage of nano silver?
Nanosilver - Harmful Effects of Biological Activity
Nanosilver, also identified as colloidal silver, has been known and used for ages to combat diseases or prolong food freshness. It usually occurs in the form of a suspension consisting of particles of size < 100 nm. Due to its specific properties, silver nanoparticles are used in many technologies to produce medical devices, textiles, conductive materials or photovoltaic cells.
The growing popularity of nanosilver applications increases the number of people occupationally exposed to this substance. Potential exposure routes for silver nanoparticles are through dermal, oral and inhalation pathways. Silver nanoparticles may be absorbed through the lungs, intestine, and through the skin into circulation and thus may reach such organs as the liver, kidney, spleen, brain, heart, and testes.
Nanosilver may cause mild eyes and skin irritations. It can also act as a mild skin allergen. Inhalation of silver nanoparticles mainly affects the lungs and liver. It has been demonstrated that silver nanoparticles may be genotoxic to mammalian cells.
There are some alarming reports on the adverse effects of silver nanoparticles on the reproduction of experimental animals. Exposure to silver nanoparticles may exert a neurotoxic effect and affect cognitive functions, causing the impairment of short-term and working memory.
Maximum admissible concentration (MAC) for the inhalable fraction of silver of 0.05 mg/m3 is currently binding in Poland. In light of toxicological studies of silver nanoparticles, it seems reasonable to update the hygiene standards for silver with nanoparticles as a separate fraction.
Disadvantages of Nano Silver
Health Concerns
Despite its widespread use, there are a number of health concerns associated with nanosilver. For instance, prolonged exposure to nano silver antibacterial powder can lead to various health issues. These include mild to moderate irritations to the eyes and skin, and it can act as a mild allergen. More worryingly, silver nanoparticles can be absorbed by the body through the lungs, intestines, and skin, potentially affecting various internal organs like the liver, kidney, spleen, brain, heart, and testes.
Potential for Genotoxicity
There is growing evidence that silver nanoparticles might be genotoxic to mammalian cells. This means that they could cause damage to the genetic information within cells, leading to mutations which could potentially result in cancers.
Neurotoxicity Concerns
Nanosilver exposure has been linked to potential neurotoxic effects. Studies on experimental animals have shown that exposure may impair cognitive functions, particularly affecting short-term and working memory. This raises questions regarding its safety for widespread use, especially in consumer products that come into regular contact with humans.
Environmental Impact
Nano silver also raises significant environmental concerns. Despite its ability to kill harmful bacteria, there is a risk that its widespread use could contribute to bacterial resistance. This could render this potent antimicrobial less effective in critical settings like hospitals.
Environmental studies have shown that nano silver can be highly toxic to aquatic organisms, second only to mercury among metals. This poses a potential risk to ecosystems, particularly when silver nanoparticles wash down the drain from household items. Studies suggest that silver nanoparticles are rapidly converted to more stable silver sulfides in oxygen-free environments such as wastewater plants, reducing their ability to kill bacteria. However, this doesn't mitigate the unknown long-term impacts on aquatic life and biodiversity.
Regulatory Challenges
Due to its nascent stage and the lack of comprehensive data, regulators and scientists are still grappling with the best way to manage the risks associated with nanosilver. There is a significant deficiency in the methodologies to routinely monitor nanomaterials, presenting challenges in how to balance its benefits against potential risks effectively. Watchdog groups continue to call for tighter regulation until more is known about these interactions and their broader implications.
In conclusion, while nano silver offers extensive benefits, especially in antimicrobial applications, it is essential to weigh these against the potential health risks and environmental impacts. More research and tighter regulatory frameworks may help to balance this equation better in the future.
For additional reading, you might consider checking out information on Ceramics Antibacterial Agent and cubic zirconium phosphate powder.
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