Silver Bulletin e-News Magazine

Section 1: Archives

________________________

________________________

The War Against Germs and Odor Has a Silver Lining.
By RHONDA L. RUNDLE
The Wall Street Journal

About three years ago, consumer products using silver as an anti-microbial ingredient -- some made using nanotechnology to bond materials at a molecular level -- took off in Asia. Now some observers believe that they are poised to become big in the U.S.

"Silver nanoparticles may very well become the next 'it' product, much like anti-bacterial soaps that took the consumer sector by storm a decade ago," says Marlene Bourne, president of Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Bourne Research, which specializes in emerging technologies.

Since ancient times, people have known of the germ-fighting qualities of silver. Dead bodies were wrapped in silver cloth to ward off bad odors. Milk stored in silver vessels didn't spoil as quickly. Now, silver is showing up as a bacteria- and odor-fighting material in contemporary consumer products. Among them:

Food-storage containers: Specialty retailer Sharper Image recently introduced a line of plastic containers infused with silver nanoparticles intended to keep food fresher. The boxes cost $69.95 for 12.

Washing machines: South Korea's Samsung Electronics launched a new washer in the U.S. that uses silver ions to sanitize laundry.

Athletic and outdoor clothing: Many apparel makers, including adidas and Polartec, have licensed a silver-coated nylon fiber known as X-Static from Noble Biomaterials. Brooks Sports introduced a line last fall touting the silver fibers' ability to promote thermal regulation and odor protection. The line of shirts, caps and socks, called HVAC (short for heating, ventilation and air conditioning), is supposed to keep athletes comfortable in different temperatures by taking advantage of silver's natural conduction qualities.

[As printed by the Fort Worth Star Telegram]

Silver Bulletin e-News Magazine Index

     Section 1: Feature Articles

     Section 2: Research and Studies

     Section 3: Editorials, Opinions and Success News

     Section 4: Disease News and Information

     Section 5: Products of Interest