The Risk of Nanosilver in Kids’ Products
Seemingly harmless consumer products can sometimes carry hidden dangers. A 2025 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sheds light on a growing concern involving nanosilver, a material increasingly used in everyday items for its antimicrobial properties.
What Exactly Is Nanosilver?
Silver nanoparticles (nanosilver) are microscopic particles of silver that are commonly added to products for their ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They are found in a wide range of consumer goods, including baby bottles, pacifiers, sippy cups, toys, blankets, and cleaning sprays.
While marketed as a feature that promotes hygiene, the safety of nanosilver—particularly in products intended for children—is not well understood. Because children are more likely to put things in their mouths or have close skin contact with these products, they may be at greater risk for exposure. The CPSC looked at how much nanosilver is in children’s products and how easily it can be released during regular use.
What the CPSC Found
In its investigation, the CPSC staff identified over 80 children’s products claiming to contain nanosilver. Thirteen of these were tested to determine the amount of silver present and how much could be released during typical use. The findings confirmed that nanosilver was present in a variety of items, and that exposure could occur through contact with sweat, saliva, or other everyday substances.
Some products released significant amounts of silver. For instance, a plush toy was found to release about 9.5% of its total silver content. Synthetic sweat (mimicking human skin contact) caused as much as 38% of silver content to leach from certain items. Most of the silver released was in ionic form, meaning it dissolved into the liquid rather than remaining as particles.
Although the silver levels detected were lower than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended limits for drinking water, the concern lies in cumulative exposure—particularly as more nanosilver-infused products enter the marketplace.
Legal Implications
Under product liability law, manufacturers have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their products and to warn consumers of any known or foreseeable risks. The presence of nanosilver in children’s products—combined with the limited data on its long-term health effects—raises important questions:
- Were these products adequately tested for safety?
- Did manufacturers disclose the presence and potential risks of nanosilver?
- Is the risk of exposure during normal use foreseeable?
Scientific studies cited in the CPSC report point to possible health effects, such as liver toxicity and lung inflammation, in animals. While no direct harm to humans has been conclusively proven, the lack of long-term safety data does not equate to a guarantee of safety. If harm were to occur, manufacturers could be held accountable for failing to prevent or warn against potential risks.
To reduce potential risk, families should take precautionary steps:
- Be cautious with products labeled as “antimicrobial” or “self-cleaning,” particularly if used by infants or toddlers.
- Check labels for mentions of nanosilver or silver-based technology.
- Limit the number of nanosilver-containing products in regular use.
- Follow updates from safety agencies like the CPSC.
Moving Forward
The CPSC’s preliminary assessment signals a need for greater oversight and transparency when it comes to emerging materials in consumer products. Until more comprehensive research is available, consumers—especially those caring for children—should remain informed and cautious. The legal system plays an essential role in holding manufacturers accountable and ensuring that public safety is not compromised in the name of innovation.
If a loved one has suffered a serious injury—or worse—due to a consumer product, it’s important to understand your rights. They may be able to be traced back to a defectively designed or poorly labeled product. If you have a legal situation you wish to discuss, consider contacting a top Philadelphia attorney for product liability cases.