US EPA to grant registration of nanosilver pesticide

On August 27, 2013, the US EPA announced a proposed decision to register a nanosilver-containing antimicrobial pesticide product named “Nanosilva.” This silver-based product is used as a non-food-contact preservative to protect plastics and textiles (e.g., in household items, electronics, sports gear, hospital equipment, bathroom fixtures and accessories) from odor and stain causing bacteria, fungi, mold and mildew.

The EPA evaluated the exposure to nanosilver from Nanosilva using data showing that plastics and textiles treated with the product released, at most, exceedingly small amounts of silver. The EPA reviewed other information on the product submitted by the applicant. They also used data from the scientific literature to evaluate the hazard of nanosilver. Based on this evaluation, the agency determined that Nanosilva will not cause unreasonable adverse effects on people, including children, or the environment. As a condition of registration, the EPA is requiring the company to generate additional data, for example, to confirm the agency’s understanding of the size of nanosilver particles in the product.

The agency has opened the public comments until September 26, 2013.