A debate is underway in the UK Parliament regarding the use of silver in clothing, driven by growing scientific evidence that suggests potential health risks associated with the material. A proposed law, championed by Baroness Natalie Bennett, aims to restrict or ban the incorporation of silver into garments, especially underwear, cosmetics, and personal care products.
Silver is commonly woven into fabrics as tiny particles to act as an antimicrobial agent, a practice that has fueled a global market now valued at an estimated £10.5 billion. Manufacturers claim these silver-infused materials can kill germs, prevent odor, and inhibit infections. However, recent research indicates that silver particles may disrupt the body's natural bacterial balance, potentially leading to an increased susceptibility to infections.
Concerns have been raised about the migration of silver particles into the body, with studies suggesting they can reach organs like the liver. Research published in the journal Environmental Science: Nano in 2024 indicated that these particles could interfere with the liver's ability to regulate hormone levels, potentially affecting the thyroid and androgen systems. This line of research prompted the European Union to ban silver additives in cosmetic products in May, with similar actions being taken in the UK.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards in the UK announced in February that silver nanoparticles and larger silver particles would be banned in cosmetics. New cosmetic products containing silver are no longer permitted, and existing ones must be withdrawn by the end of next month.
While cosmetic use is being phased out, silver remains permitted in clothing. Period pants, marketed as an alternative to traditional sanitary products, are a particular focus. Dr. Katy Stokes, a research fellow at the University of Warwick, highlighted that while silver is added to combat odor and hygiene concerns in period pants, the potential risks may outweigh the benefits. Research supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, found that nanosilver could kill beneficial vaginal bacteria, potentially increasing the incidence of bacterial infections and allowing resilient infectious bacteria to thrive.
Further research on female rats by scientists at the U.S. National Center for Toxicological Research in 2024 showed that vaginal exposure to nanosilver caused tissue inflammation, disrupted bacterial balance, and the particles entered the bloodstream, migrating to other organs.
Thiago Verano-Braga, an associate professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, has stated that manufacturers should not use silver nanoparticles in clothing before a thorough risk assessment. A 2023 study by consumer groups Which? and Altroconsumo tested period pants and found high levels of silver, raising concerns about potential health implications and environmental damage if particles leach into waterways.
Currently, there are no legal limits in the UK on the amount of silver that can be added to period pants, nor is there a requirement for manufacturers to declare its presence. Brands like Intima by Bodyform and Marks & Spencer's period pants were found to contain significant amounts of silver in the consumer study. Marks & Spencer stated that their products use silver chloride, approved under UK regulations for textile use, and is applied away from the skin to combat odor.
Bodyform reported that its newer product ranges, launched over the past two and a half years, do not contain silver, having switched suppliers. Concerns also extend to other products, such as a post-surgery bra marketed by Cancer Research UK that contains silver fiber. While Cancer Research UK believes the silver used is not harmful, the manufacturer, Royce, has not provided a definitive comment. The supplier of the X-STATIC silver fabric yarn, arc.com, states that its products are intended to protect the garment from microbial growth and make no public health claims.
Experts suggest that traditional materials like merino wool may offer safer and potentially more effective alternatives, with inherent anti-odor properties derived from moisture-wicking and natural bacterial inhibition.