DGCCRF controls nano silver in textiles in France
The General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) has announced that it will conduct an investigation in 2021 into so-called “technical” textiles1Technical textiles: between innovation and overbidding, DGCCRF, 3 June 2022. Its conclusions highlight an overkill in the use of commercial claims (resistance, fireproof, anti-stain, anti-UV, etc.) and a tendency to exaggerate the real benefits provided by the products.
In particular, two of the six antibacterial or “anti-odor” products analyzed were treated with silver nanoparticles which are in the process of being classified because of their risks… and without this information being made available to consumers, which is contrary to what is required by the Biocide Regulation.
Following the DGCCRF’s investigation, the two operators marketing these two products withdrew them from the market.
No information was given on the precise brands and references of the said products.
To our knowledge, these are the first controls by the French public authorities on the presence of nanoparticles in textiles.
As for the controls of the [nano] labeling in cosmetics or food, France is a pioneer in this field compared to its European neighbors.
As a reminder, one of the first reports to alert on the subject was from Afsset (ancestor of Anses) which, in 2010, pointed out the absurdity of products such as socks with nano-silver with nanoparticles disappearing when washed (even though nanoparticles are known for their harmful effects on aquatic fauna)2Cf. Evaluation of the risks associated with nanomaterials for the general population and the environment, Afsset (now ANSES), March 2010.
Will other products be tested in 2022? In France as well as in other European countries?
To be continued…
Our information sheets to go further
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- 4-day training :
- the different routes by which toxic substances can enter the body
- the importance of toxicokinetics in preventing the toxicity of substances,
- the absorption, distribution, metabolisation and elimination of xenobiotics
- the toxicity of nanoparticles
- Organizer : Association Toxicologie Chimie (ATC)
- From May, 19 to May, 22
- Speakers :
- Frédéric Gaidou (Chemical engineer specialising in Toxicology, ERAMET Group, Paris, President ATC Paris)
- Sarah Dognin dit Cruissat (Doctor of Pharmacy, nutritionist, toxicochemist, CALMEVA, Lyon)
- Jean-Dominique Puyt (Veterinary Doctor, Honorary Professor at the École Vétérinaire, Nantes)
- Isabelle Malissin (Doctor, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris)
- Nicole Proust (Research Engineer, Honorary Director of Research at the CNRS, Specialist in Nanotechnologies, Arsenic, Electromagnetic Waves, Palaiseau)
- Marie-Chantal Canivenc-Lavier ((Nutri-toxicologist, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation INRA-Dijon)
- Claude Lesné (Doctor, Honorary Senior Research Engineer at the CNRS)
- Nicole Proust (Ingénieure Recherche, Directeur de recherche honoraire du CNRS, Spécialiste Nanotechnologies, Arsenic, Ondes électromagnétiques, Palaiseau)
- Website : https://www.atctoxicologie.fr/notre-formation.html
- E-learning program: awareness-raising for personnel who come into contact with nanomaterials during research, formulation, production, maintenance, cleaning, upkeep, etc., as well as safety coordinators or engineers, facility managers, heads of laboratories where nanoparticles are handled.
- Organizers: INSTN Grenoble (CEA)
- On the program:
- 1 – Introduction, definition and characteristics of nanomaterials
- 2 – Toxicity of nanomaterials: the state of knowledge
- 3 – Metrology and characterization of nanomaterials
- 4 – Prevention and protection against nanomaterials in the workplace
- 5 – Quiz: assessment of learning outcomes
- The 2-hour course can be viewed for one month from the date of registration.
- Website: https://instn.cea.fr/…risques-lies-aux-nanomateriaux…
- 7th Environmental nanotechology Gordon Research Conference (GRC)
- Chairs: Peter Vikeslan and Denise Mitrano
- Date: June 1-6, 2025
- Website: https://www.grc.org/environmental-nanotechnology-conference/2025/
Notes and references
- 1Technical textiles: between innovation and overbidding, DGCCRF, 3 June 2022
- 2Cf. Evaluation of the risks associated with nanomaterials for the general population and the environment, Afsset (now ANSES), March 2010