Will the growing use of nanoscale silver ultimately cause more harm than good? That is the question posed by many these days, accompanying concerns over the effect of nanosilver on the environment. Nanoscale silver is already embedded into more than 200 consumer products, including residential and commercial appliances, where it is employed for its antimicrobial properties. But silver is classified as an environmental hazard by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency because the metal is toxic to aquatic plants and animals.