Silver Nanoparticles in EU: a tough subject

Why silver?

“Silver is known to be used since the 4th millennium BC. Nanosilver dispersions were used as medical products already in the 19th century without showing adverse effects on patients. Additionally, silver has been authorized by EU EFSA as E174 for coloring food. The antimicrobial effect of silver is well understood. Silver ions exhibit a broad antimicrobial profile against bacteria, fungi and virus as well. Even bacteria strains that are resistant against antibiotics, e.g. MRSA, can be fought with silver. This makes silver and nanosilver an excellent biocidal substance for applications in medical devices and in the food sector.”

From “Antimicrobial silver nanoparticles — regulatory situation in the European Union”by Gregor Schneider

Introducing nanoparticles in the EU

Let’s first start with a definition: a nanoparticle is a particle whose measure ranges between 1 and 100μm. Can you introduce silver nanoparticles in the EU? The answer is pretty simple: it’s very complex (and expensive).

The EU regulators took this subject very seriously especially for some products categories like food and cosmetics: the effect on the human are still pretty unknown and they prefer to adhere to the caution principle.