Still Waiting for EPA Ruling on “Nanosilver”

Back in November 2006, EPA issued a statement indicating it intended to treat consumer products claiming to generate silver nanoparticles as a method of killing germs as pesticides under FIFRA. The agency said it would shortly issue a formal announcement in the federal register on the issue. In the meantime, several companies continue to announce new products that claim to use nanosilver to kill bacteria and germs. Back in November, the EPA’s logic appeared to be driven by the alleged antimicrobial properties of the products, rather than the alleged nano-dimensions of the substance purportedly generated. What will ultimately happen with this issue remains to be seen.