Nanosilver what? The name may sound like straight out of science fiction, but it's actually very common. In fact, it's found almost everywhere from plastics to spoons and forks and chopping boards in your kitchen.
According to a recent article by Time nanosilver is currently in the hot seat with many organizations suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because of it.
Of course, the next question is why. First, let's talk about EPA. As its name suggests, the agency is responsible for protecting the environment and you, especially your health. It is mandated to regulate, approve, and prevent products that may be deemed harmful to your health and to the environment.
Therefore, all products with nanosilver should go through this agency for regulation and approval. Some do-most don't. According to the organizations behind the lawsuit, the agency fails to perform its job as many products with nanosilver still end up in the market even without passing through assessment and control by the EPA.
But why should nanosilver bother you in the first place? Nanosilver is a very small type of silver. It's so minute you won't be able to see it using your naked eye. Despite being small, it has many uses, one of which is to provide anti-bacterial properties to products that often come into contact with food and drinks like baby bottles, cutlery, kitchen utensils, pans, and chopping board. It prevents contamination as well.
Nanosilver is a very flexible material, and it can easily change its structure particularly when it reacts or comes into contact with other compounds.
The problem is that people don't really know how it changes once the product is already being used and comes into contact with humans? Some studies suggest that it may alter DNA or cause its damage. Moreover, some experts are worried that constant exposure of the bacteria to nanosilver may make them more resistant.
EPA is responsible for regulating claims of manufacturers that their products have the ability to kill germs due to nanosilver. However, some have learned to get around it by simply removing the tag and selling the products with nanosilver.
As the battle is going on, you may want to be extra cautious on products with such claims.