Silver nanotechnologies and the environment : old problems or new challenges ?

This report gives a detailed analysis of the science of silver and nanoparticles of silver, looking at its sources, its pathways into the environment, and ending with receptors and potential environmental impact. The author then then raises some questions for policy makers to consider when looking at ways to regulate its use in consumer products and other applications. When tested in the laboratory, ionic silver, a form of nanosilver is one of the most toxic medals to aquatic organisms. Though much more research needs to be done on the potential life cycle of nanosilver and its widespread effect of the environment, the author looks at some of the shortfalls in using existing regulation to deal with nanotechnology and suggests ways in which regulation could be strengthened and changed to deal with nanosilver in the future.