Environmental Profile of Nano-finished Textile Materials: Implications on Public Health, Risk Assessment, and Public Perception

Abstract

Antimicrobial modification via the use of nanomaterials or nanocomposites have emerged very strongly from recent past because of increasing public concerns related to the health hygiene. However, negative environmental implications, concerns related to human health and possible harmful effects on aquatic life after the left over/unexhausted baths are released to wastewaters have restricted the use of many antimicrobial agents more likely the synthetic ones. The increased use of nanomaterials necessitates assessing of the potential negative impacts of this novel technology on humans and the environment. Application of nano-biocomposites could be a good alternative to most of the synthetic antibacterial agents due to their high environmental compatibility, biodegradable, and non-toxic nature. This chapter has focused on the characteristics and achieved functionalities of nanofinished textile materials with their environmental health profile, implications on human health and possible risk assessments.