More than a year ago, a little noticed article reported a study that found silver nano particles as found in silver colloids were able to kill HIV, in addition to a broad spectrum of viral bugs. Now, the US health authorities seem to have found a way to prevent this breakthrough from making it into broad public use. According to an article on NewsTarget.com, the Environmental Protection Agency is now selectively targeting nano silver - while practically ignoring pharmaceuticals and toxic chemical pesticides - as an environmental pollutant.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - FreeMarketNews.com
The Journal of Nanotechnology has published a groundbreaking study that found silver nanoparticles kills HIV-1 and is likely to kill virtually any other virus. The study, which was conducted by the University of Texas and Mexico University, is the first medical study to ever explore the benefits of silver nanoparticles, according to Physorg.
During the study, researchers used three different methods of limiting the size of the silver nanoparticles by using capping agents. The capping agents were foamy carbon, poly (PVP), and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The particles ranged in size from 1 to 10 nanometers depending on the method of capping. After incubating the HIV-1 virus at 37 C, the silver particles killed 100% of the virus within 3 hours for all three methods. The scientists believe that the silver particles bonded through glycoprotein knobs on the virus with spacing of about 22 nanometers in length.
While further research is needed, researchers are optimistic that nanological silver may be the silver bullet to kill viruses. The researchers in the study said that they had already begin experiments using silver nanoparticles to kill what is known as the super bug (Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus). Already used as a topical antibiotic in the medical industry, silver may now come under consideration as an alternative to drugs when it comes to fighting previously untreatable viruses such as the Tamiflu resistant avian flu.
According to NewsTarget, the EPA is using emerging regulations on the health effects of nano particles to selectively target colloidal silver products as "pesticides".
A friend who forwarded the article, commented that in the case of a bio weapons attack, silver would probably the most effective antidote. He says it is a real weapon of mass destruction, as far as pathogens are concerned, adding that at last count it will kill over 600 infectious agents on contact while being harmless to the human organism. The question he posits is: "Could this property of silver have something to do with the recent moves to keep this out of the hands of the public?
Here is the recent NewsTarget article:
- - -
EPA uses nanotech regulation ploy to target colloidal silver while ignoring all other nanotech particles
Nanomaterials -- products and materials changed or created at the atomic and molecular level -- are quickly gaining popularity for their multitude of uses, and while the Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to regulate popular nanosilver antibacterial products, ostensibly to protect consumers, critics say the move is a thinly veiled attempt to solely regulate nanosilver as a health supplement.
Nanosilver is used to kill harmful bacteria in food storage containers, shoe liners, washing machines and even bandages. Particles of nanosilver and other nanomaterials can be as small as one-millionth the size of a pinhead. However, the EPA, citing pressure from silver industry workers and environmental groups such as Natural Resources Defense Council, is investigating whether silver ions could pose an environmental threat by killing beneficial bacteria in the environment, or even harming humans. The agency also received a letter from Chuck Weir, chairman of a California wastewater treatment plant advisory group known as Tri-TAC, which claimed "silver is highly toxic to aquatic life at low concentrations and also bioaccumulates in some aquatic organisms, such as clams."
Silver was brought under close EPA scrutiny when washing machine manufacturers began making models that were lined with silver ions or sprayed them onto the clothes as an antibacterial agent. Last year, the EPA decided that the machines should not be regulated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, since they were considered devices rather than pesticides. Recently, however, the agency re-examined its decision and reversed it.
"We took a second look at the release of silver ions, and it was very clear that this is a pesticide and not a device," Jim Jones, director of the EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs, told the Washington Post. "Our original determination proved not to be a correct one."
Under the regulations, any silver product that claims it has antibacterial properties must prove the product is safe to be released into the environment. Mike Adams, a consumer health advocate and proponent of colloidal silver, suggested the regulations might work better were they aimed at antibiotics and pharmaceuticals.
Keep your laws off my germ-resistant hook - EPA versus the antimicrobial keychain
Apparently, the EPA thinks that, because of those pesky silver particles, the product may be considered a pesticide according to a 1947 law: "The law at issue the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, better known as FIFRA was conceived in 1947 to protect humans from agri-chemicals sprayed by the millions of gallons to kill weeds, plant viruses and bugs." Since nanoparticles are so new, they have not been thoroughly evaluated for safety...
Wikipedia - Colloidal silver controversial Anyone with good knowledge of colloidal silver might consider contributing to this Wikipedia entry to balance the views expressed there...
Berkeley to Regulate Nanotechnology The City Council is expected Tuesday to amend its hazardous materials law to compel researchers and manufacturers to report what nanotechnology materials they are working with and how they are handling the tiny particles.
Silver does more than kill bacteria
new research, published in the journal ChemMedChem (subscription required), indicates that silver goes further than this and modifies cytokines – the enzymes involved in cell growth and movement – leading to reduced inflammation and an increased rate of healing.
Antibacterial NanoProducts
A whole range of consumer products are infused with silver or titanium dioxide in order to fight bacteria. Although beneficial for certain uses of silver (medical, burns, etc), there might be negative side effects of these kinds of antibacterials.
Video: Man’s Skin Turns Dark Blue
What Karason did was use a substance called colloidal silver, which is made by extracting silver from metal. It goes into water with an electrical current and then you drink it. Colloidal silver is billed as something that will cure just about everything that ails you and Karason swears by it. Karason does not believe drinking the potion is what caused his discoloration. He believes it happened because he rubbed it on his face to treat a skin problem. A medical condition called Argyria has been linked to such discoloration since the days when silver solutions were used as antibiotics.
Silver Nanoparticles Deadly to Bacteria
In contrast to the usual methods of producing metal nanoparticles, which involve the use of toxic solvents and highly reactive chemical reducing agents, the paint is produced in a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally safe manner, because the nanoparticles are synthesized directly in the paint itself. The team's new method makes use of a natural, oxidative property of paint that occurs during drying.
To test the antibacterial properties of the paint, the team incubated E. coli bacteria overnight on a plain glass slide, a slide coated in normal paint, and a slide coated with the nanoparticle paint. They found that the paint embedded with silver particles killed all the bacteria in comparison to the control slides, a result that confirms that the nanoparticles are toxic to bacteria.
Silver nano-particles can rein in replication of hepatitis B virus
Silver nano-particles with an average diameter of 5 to 50 nanometers can rein in the in vitro replication of hepatitis B viruses (HBV) through direct interaction with its DNA and viral particles, researchers said Monday.
"The finding provides a new direction for developing new anti- HBV drugs, with nano-particles used as drug carrier to enhance the antiviral efficacy while minimizing the undesirable side effects," Lu told a press conference Monday.
The study on silver nano-particles is still in the laboratory stage and any drugs it may lead to are still 3 to 5 years away from clinic use, Lu said.
posted by Sepp Hasslberger on Thursday December 7 2006
updated on Friday June 26 2009
URL of this article:
http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/sepp/2006/12/07/nano_silver_kills_microbes_epa_up_in_arms.htm
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Readers' Comments
Here is a comment by email from a friend in Canada:
About two years ago I met a woman at a consumer health show who had a company making hot tub purifiers with a nano silver generator (as opposed to a chlorine puck). Health Canada came down on them like a ton of bricks for selling an "unapproved pest mangement device".
She told me that she got the idea after watching a tv show about the International Space station and how they used a silver generator to purify the drinking water on it and on the space shuttle. That would seem a pretty strong argument for efficacy and safety to me. I never researched the veracity myself but she seemed completely honest to me.
A nathuropatic doctor here in Quebec City has had his practise (and nearly his life) destroyed by Health Canada for his sale of nano silver and nano fumic and fulvic acid (what plant roots use to assimilate trace minerals).
On a personal note - it is our home treatment of choice for our three kids for nearly every affliction kids get from cuts, to colds, to flu. Not only will our young boys take it (they call it the magic water) - it works fantastic.
Silver bioaccumulates in organ tissue, especially nerve tissue, in humans, where it causes neural degeneration (it conducts electricity, folks!)
I am sad to hear about people who are feeding it to their kids. When these children grow up, they will likely have neural degeneration, not a nice legacy.
Removal is very, very slow. Sulfur chelating agents might do it.
I highly recommend listening to the following interview. SUPER SILVER definitely sounds like a MAGIC BULLET to me!
Dr. Bill Deagle on RBN LIVE: mp3.rbnlive.com/Deagle06.html
Wed., November 8, 2006: Playlists: M3U | RAM (Individual MP3s: Hr1 Hr2 )
Glenn Parnam: International Health, Disussing the Use of Super Silver to Prevent Multi-Drug Resistance.
Quote Dr. Bill Deagle: "A SILVER product UNLIKE ANY OTHER available in the world!"
@nnie - determined that the TRUTH shall always prevail.
Resonance Therapist - Alternative Health Researcher - Independent HIV, AIDS, Morgellons & Toxicity Crusader - Durban - SOUTH AFRICA.
i am surprised at these findings since i also learned that silver particules used in hepatitis and other vaccines cause or trigger multiple sclerosis through accumulation in the msucle tissues...
On one hand silver is a known antibacterial and on the other it is a poison ; i think all we need is to identify the dosage...
Any more info concerning silver sepp?
Thanks for your website, its a good source for theories and infos...
kindly,
ian
Posted by: ian on January 4, 2007 03:40 PM
Ian,
I can't find anything that says silver is an ingredient in hepatitis and other vaccines. Do you mean mercury - like the stuff used in "silver" tooth fillings?
There's a lot of information on silver on the net, if you search "ionic silver" or "silver colloid".
There's also Jonathan Campbell who commented earlier, and who says silver should not be used because of its toxicity.
I read your article o the US EPA trying to downplay the effects of collodial silver.
In India we have what I thought was an old wives' tale -- namely that silver articles are safe from ritual pollution.
That is, plates and spoons used for eating food are not considered polluted and so need not be washed seperately. Also such articles are not considered polluted when used by menstruating women.
Perhaps this was the ancients way of conveying the bactericidal properties of silver.
Silver articles are used in many rituals -- for instance, the first solid food given to an infant is served in a silver bowl
There was a lot more sense in them days.
Prabha Krishnan
Posted by: Prabha Krishnan on January 8, 2007 04:53 PM
Is there any data on what silver does to healthy cells. If silver kills virus and and other harmful bacteria does it affect healthy cells?
Posted by: Bill Ramsay on May 24, 2007 09:03 PM
Thank you, Bill,
for your question on silver toxicity to human cells. Silver has been extensively used in wound healing, and in burn victims, it is one of the few things that will work well.
"The antimicrobial activity of silver ion is well defined. Silver ion rapidly kills microbes by blocking the cell respiration pathway. The speed of action is almost instantaneous once the silver reaches the microbe. The efficacy of microbe killing is based not only on the amount of silver ion present, but likely also the presence of other silver radicals generated by a silver releasing product.
Because of mechanism of action, microbial resistance to silver itself has not been reported. In addition, silver has repeatedly been shown to be non-toxic to human cells."
The non toxicity information comes with a caveat. Excess silver (from direct contact or long term consumption of silver salts) can cause what is known as argyria, a sometimes permanent discoloration of skin.
"Although silver, as noted previously, is essentially non-toxic to humans, it can cause a rare permanently disfiguring condition called argyria. Silver is absorbed into the blood and deposited in tissues, such that the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes acquire a grey to blue-black colouring."
Posted by: Sepp on May 25, 2007 05:58 AM
I own an artesian well producing between 1-2mm gallons per month of good clean water. I\'m thinking about bottling it.
What would you think about adding nano silver in each bottle? What would it add to the cost?
FAE, Kalamazoo, MI
Kalamazoo is indian for Boiling water
Posted by: frank eichelberg on October 12, 2007 07:37 PM
I am a resident in Dubai and currently doing my Doctoral research on Applicaction of Nano silver to disinfection of water at POU. I have seen several comments about the nano silver and I wish to add to the claim of Prabha Krishnan, India.
Silver in india is considered a holy metal in line with Gold. The simple reason is that the ancient indian has identified couple of metals on their way of usage to human health.
The Imperial System in India, always advocated for Silver utensils to be used in Royal Palaces, keeping a view of disinfection properties. You can visit any of the Royal Museums today in India and observe the types of utensils made in Pure Silver, right from cooking to serving & eating.
Secondly the ancient Indian Scientists always recommended Bronze (an alloy of copper and zinc), for cooking couple of items, like boiling of rice and not making any other liquid receipies such as tamarind soup or Sambar (which has tamarind, rich of tartaric acid). Remember tartaric acid from tamarind and citric acid from lemon react very fast with the copper and zinc and forming a typical salt which is harmful. However, the receipies made out of silver vessels do not react with metallic silver and hence there is no by product mixed with the prepared food.
Even today, water is taken for performing worships in Temples. The water from silver vessel mixed with a leaf called Tulsi is offered to the public as the prasadham of God.
Silver in any form in cooking seems to have disinfectdion properties. I would like to share my research results on the same once carried out
Posted by: Rajan BN on October 27, 2007 04:29 AM
I do research with silver nanoparticles and their effects on healthy cell lines. In particular, I test whether the nanoparticles have any effects that kill the cell or induce any kind of immune response. Not wanting to jump to conclusions over my results, I have to say that I would be wary in using silver as an everyday remedy.
The evidence for silver nanoparticles use as an anti-microbial is overwhelming, and I feel that it could be a significant breakthrough. I also think, however, that it should not be seen as a cure-all. There definitely could be significant cellular damage from repeated exposure to silver nanoparticles.
In the evidence for its use, think about how it is used. Burn victims are very vulnerable to infection, and in closed quarters like a space station, it would be necessary to retain a sterile environment. These are extreme examples of silver's benefit. In the lab, I keep my lab hood sterile with UV radiation. It has the same effect on human cells as it does on microbes, but larger organisms can deal with and recover from the stress easier than single celled organisms.
It is also worth mentioning that there is a distinct difference between silver metal and silver nanoparticles. Nanoparticles, being 1-100 nanometers in size, no longer obey the laws of classical physics. Instead, they are governed by the laws of quantum physics; therefore their physical properties are much different. Since they are so small, they can travel nearly anywhere.
This is not to say that nanoparticles should not be used. There are benefits for its use. However, in the light of research related to what I am doing, it is no surprise that governments are concerned about its use.
Posted by: Shaun on December 14, 2007 11:10 PM
indeed Shaun, I couldn't have said it better myself. silver nanoparticles appear to kill human cells as well as bacterial cells. what we may need to do is find a way to immobilize silver nanoparticles after their disinfection job is done. or even better, time dependent immobilization- so it takes say 30 mins to kill every bacterial cell in the area and about 1 hour or so to immobilize in the environment. that way, there is less danger of any toxic effects they have in the environment but they can still be used as a disinfectant.
Posted by: mike on December 16, 2007 12:29 PM
Hello Shaun,
some time ago you posted a comment to an article on my site on nano silver, warning that it would not be good to use as an everyday remedy.
I tend to agree, but would like to ask you to give me some reference as to the research you do. A link to any publication you have for your work in nano silver. Can you provide this?
An email to Shaun, who commented, and his reply:
Hello Shaun,
some time ago you posted a comment to an article on my site on nano silver, warning that it would not be good to use as an everyday remedy.
I tend to agree, but would like to ask you to give me some reference as to the research you do. A link to any publication you have for your work in nano silver. Can you provide this?
- - -
Shaun replies:
Hi!
Thanks for e-mailing me about this subject. Regretfully, none of the work from my lab has been published yet, however, I can direct you to other related publications. Nanotechnology is in its infancy, and nanotoxicology is even further behind, so there is not a lot of published information available. This being said, here are two articles that address nanotoxicology, the first addressing silver nanotoxicology.
Toxicological Sciences 2005 88(2):412-419; doi:10.1093/toxsci/kfi256
http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/88/2/412
Oberdörster G, Oberdörster E, Oberdörster J.
Nanotoxicology: an emerging discipline evolving from studies of ultrafine particles.
Environ Health Perspect. 2005 Jul;113(7):823-39. Review.
PMID: 16002369
In "Ayurveda" the ancent Indian medical system, silver considered as an element that increase longevity of life, keep mind cool, increases intellectuality as brain-tonic and keeps man young. In gujarati community, there is a system to fill glass of silver with water in the night and to drink it in the morning in every houses. Silver is the only metal having great positive impact on health is a reality, but how the silver which is a metal can be utilised for biological uses need big research. Of course, the raw metal is a dangerous for health.
Posted by: Dr.Navinchandra K.Shah on July 10, 2008 02:34 PM
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Posted by: nader on August 7, 2008 04:12 PM
How Does Colloidal Silver Work?
Colloidal Silver is non-toxic to mammals, reptiles, plants and all living things that are not of a one-celled structure. One-celled life uses a different method of Oxygen metabolism, herein lies its weakness. Since Colloidal Silver acts only as a catalyst, meaning, it influences a change in the rate, or occurrence of a reaction of one-celled organisms, but does not enter into any chemical reaction with the body tissues. The mere presence of Colloidal Silver near any virus, fungus or bacterium (one celled disease causing pathogens) will immediately cripple their oxygen-metabolizing enzyme, or chemical lung, which suffocates and dies usually within six minutes. The dead organism is subsequently cleared out of the body by the immune and lymphatic system.
Body tissues having 5 parts per million (5ppm) of Colloidal Silver will be free of virus, fungus and bacterium. Silver particles are long lived in the body because they do no enter into a reaction, but act catalytically. A catalyst is best described as a substance that brings about, or causes a reaction or occurrence without itself participating or being consumed. The Colloidal Silver acts as a catalyst in disabling a particular enzyme, best described as "chemical lung", as it transfers oxygen and nutrients through the cell walls of the disease causing organism. The organism suffocates! The mere proximity of silver will cripple the activity of the particular enzyme common to all viruses, funguses and bacteria - whilst not affecting the enzymes of tissue type cells.
Posted by: Jordan O'Hara on January 4, 2009 04:16 AM
The EPA is corrupt and acting on their incest cousins in the corrupt FDA to protect Big Pharma products.
I urge everyone to write to Obama and the FBI to get these two of the most corrupt organizations investigated and the directors arrested and charged with bribery, corruption and conspiracy.
Posted by: Average Joe on February 10, 2009 07:24 AM
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