Hohenstein Institute, a leading global provider of technical testing and certification for apparel and textile products, recently publicized results from two three-year nanotoxicity studies conducted in cooperation with multiple organizations and designed to understand and quantify the safety of nanoparticles for people and for the environment. Hohenstein scientists, Dr. Jan Beringer and Dr. Timo Hammer, presented key study findings related to textile products in a webinar entitled “Nanotechnology: Human Health and the Environment.” Hohenstein’s research concluded that the tested textiles treated with nanoparticles posed little to no risk to human health or ecosystems. The webinar recording is available on the Hohenstein Institute website at http://www.hohenstein.com/en/advanced_training/e_learning/e_learning_2/e_learning.html
Hohenstein Institute played a key role in the TechnoTox project to assess risk to human health of nano-functionalized textiles including silver nanoparticle (Ag-NP) enhanced fabrics. For the UMSICHT study, Hohenstein determined how silver nanoparticles leach from fabrics, providing critical data for partners to evaluate the impact of silver nanoparticles on the environment. Hohenstein’s key research conclusions included the following:
- For the TechnoTox study, Hohenstein conducted a broad scale consumer wear test with Ag-NP enhanced antimicrobial apparel. Hohenstein determined that silver nanoparticles acted effectively upon bacteria introduced via perspiration but had no detrimental impact on the skin’s naturally occurring protective bacteria and caused no skin irritation. Additionally, the use of Ag-NP treated apparel did not build resistance in the undesirable bacteria.
- Hohenstein’s proprietary cellular modelling technology also indicated that the inhalation, absorption, and ingestion of any silver nanoparticles released from the tested fabrics had no negative effect on human organ or tissue functions.
- Hohenstein studied the impact of processing Ag-NP enhanced fabrics on textile mill effluents and also measured the release of nanoparticles in home laundry simulations. Their data was key input to the larger UMSICHT study which found no significant risk of damage to aquatic ecosystems, sewage treatment plants, or landfill operations.
Hohenstein works closely with textile and apparel manufacturers to confirm that their specific nanoparticle enhanced products work as designed and are safe to use. Certificates and Quality Labels are available and include Biological Safety, Antibacterial efficacy, Skin Flora Neutral, and Skin-Friendly. When performed during the product development phase, Hohenstein testing can confirm, correct, or enhance product performance and can provide objective data for fact-based marketing efforts.
Dr. Beringer will be attending Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City January 22-25 and is available to discuss these study findings in the Hohenstein Institute Booth #62024.
Posted January 27, 2014
Source: Hohenstein Institute
