Are nanoparticles in cosmetics safe?
IAN SAMPLE
Cosmetics companies are taking insufficient steps to ensure face creams and other products that contain nanoparticles are safe, according to a report by a leading UK consumer association.
The Which? report, which drew on advice from nanotechnology experts, warns that untested particles, which can be 1,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, are being used in products without sufficient safety testing.
Nanoparticles are used in sun screens to block ultraviolet radiation, in emulsions to contain vitamins in face creams, and in other moisturisers to kill off bacteria. But of 67 firms approached by Which? only eight submitted information on the use of nanotechnology in their products.
A common use of nanotechnology is in the addition of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide particles to sun screens, and European experts have demanded more safety tests to investigate the effects of these lotions on damaged skin. Ann Dowling, who chaired a Royal Society working group on nanotechnology, said: “We are disappointed at the continuing lack of transparency in this area.”
“The cosmetics industry needs to come clean about how it is using nanotechnology,” said Sue Davies, chief policy adviser at Which? “Many of the applications could lead to exciting, revolutionary developments ... but until all the necessary safety tests are carried out, the simple fact is we just don’t know enough. The government must introduce a compulsory reporting scheme for manufactured nanomaterials ... and only those that are independently assessed as safe should be allowed to be used in cosmetics.”
— Guardian Newspapers Limited 2008
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