Nano-silver - A review of available data and knowledge gaps in human and environmental risk assessment Article

Wijnhoven, SWP, Peijnenburg, WJGM, Herberts, CA et al. (2009). Nano-silver - A review of available data and knowledge gaps in human and environmental risk assessment . 3(2), 109-138. 10.1080/17435390902725914

cited authors

  • Wijnhoven, SWP; Peijnenburg, WJGM; Herberts, CA; Hagens, WI; Oomen, AG; Heugens, EHW; Roszek, B; Bisschops, J; Gosens, I; Van De Meent, D; Dekkers, S; De Jong, WH; Van Zijverden, M; Sips, AJAM; Geertsma, RE

authors

abstract

  • Nano-silver is used in an increasing number of products. Some of the applications have resulted in the concern of governments and the public, since little is known about the potential risks of nano-silver. In this review, an inventory is made to identify knowledge gaps that have to be filled before risks for both man and the environment can be assessed as reliable as for 'non-nanosized' chemicals. It is hypothesized that the toxic effects of nano-silver are due to a combination of the specific properties of silver nanoparticles and the generation of ions from them. The main topic for future research is validation of our '0-hypothesis' that toxic effects of nano-silver are proportional to the activity of free silver ions released by the nanoparticles. Furthermore, it must be determined whether - or to what extent - nano-silver particles will enter the body. The outcomes of these tests will determine the requirements for further toxicity testing. © 2009 Informa UK Ltd.

publication date

  • June 1, 2009

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 109

end page

  • 138

volume

  • 3

issue

  • 2