ECOSOX

In an effort to study the affects of silver nano-particles now being used in textiles, Swedish scietist Bernd Nowack and his fellow colleagues began studying how these silver nanoparticles used in products such as anti-odor socks, react during laundering. The study reports that up to an astounding 35% of the silver nanoparticles used in textiles did come off during the wash, the majority of which were released during the first wash cycle. A similar study recently commissioned by Arizona State University tells a similar tale. The ASU team found that an average of 50% of the nano-particles used in anti-odor socks came off after repeated cycles through the wash.

Silver has been used for hundreds of years as an antibacterial agent in medical uses. It was only recently that silver nano-particles can kill odor causing microbes, thus the boom in anti-odor silver nanoparticle lined socks flooding the market. Nanoparticles of silver are the most used form of nanotechnology in use today, but at what cost? What actually happens when silver nano-particles are washed from your socks and pour directly into your local streams and waterways? The answer might surprise you.

A Norwegian led study discovered that silver nanoparticles have a toxic effect on cells. Results find that these particles surpress cell growth and cause cell death depending on the length and level of exposure. Research shows that nanoparticles can cross both the blood-brain barrier and blood-testes barrier in mice and rats. Cell type-specific DNA damage, which can affect fertility performance as well as human and environmental health, was also found.

From this point forward, no one really knows what havic will be reaked on our environment. What affect silver nanoparticles have on the environment when washed from clothing has yet to be thoroughly researched. From what we do know, it can't be very good..

But hey, there's always a silver-lining (pun intended). Bamboo helps control and prevent odors naturally and is 100% biodegradable. Bamboo viscose fibers are currently in use in much of the textile industry and present a natural way to fight smelly-feet.