Characterisation of silver release from nanoparticle-treated baby products.

We tested six kinds of commercially available baby products containing nano-silver and divided them into two categories: baby food containers and baby oral care products, according to usage. We measured the total mass of silver, particle size, particle number concentration and the mobility under different simulated conditions. The total mass of silver in baby products and migration solutions was quantified by ICP-MS analysis, and the size of the migrated particles was investigated by single particle ICP-MS and transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer. Nano-silver has different migration behaviour in different materials, and the total mass of silver released in 3% acetic acid was generally highest for plastic material, while highest in 10% ethanol for silicone material. For baby food containers and baby oral care products, the total amount of silver in the migration solutions varied from 2.98 to 126.46 ng/dm2 and from 2.01 to 2.83 ng/g, respectively. The research shows that the use of baby products containing silver may expose babies to silver nanoparticles.