Although the development and commercial launch of nanotechnology continues to gather pace, regulation and legislation governing its possible hazardous effects continue to lag seriously behind.

The increased consumer demand for durable and functional apparel produced with a minimum impact on the environment has created opportunities for nanomaterials to be used in textiles since they can give a variety of textile effects such as stain repellence, wrinkle-free finishes, static elimination and electrical conductivity without compromising comfort, flexibility, fabric weight or using potentially hazardous chemicals.