Nano-Particles in Skin Care & Cosmetics - Should We Be Concerned?

Recently, ingredients manufacturer Kobo launched atechnology forward - instead, the government has
range of non-nano titanium dioxide and zinc oxide UVrehashed old news and failed act on many concerns"
filters for use in sunscreens.The consumer magazine believes there should be a
The company found many consumers are concernedpre-market assessment and approval of products
with the possible health risks of nanoparticles indeveloped using nanotechnology as well as a
cosmetics, skin care and sunscreens.compulsory reporting scheme for companies using
Nanotechnology is the science used to shrink chemicalnanoparticles as ingredients.
particles to 100 nanometers wide, which is roughly 1In some countries debate on the safety of
100,000 of the thickness of a piece of paper. Smallernanotechnology has become volatile. French
than blood vessels, these nanoparticles are able toenvironmental group Pieces et Main d'Oeuvre (PTO)
penetrate the skin far more deeply and faster thanhave consistently protested at meetings held to
regular chemicals. 'Invisible' zinc, used in sunscreens todebate the technology. Organized by the Commission
avoid the white appearance of the cream, is createdof Public Debates held from October 09 until January
by using this technology.10, the PTO has disrupted meetings claiming all
Fears have been expressed from many quarters thatimportant decisions had been made.
this technology is being increasingly used in theGerman citizens have been warned by Germany's
products we apply to our skin and is racing ahead ofFederal Environment Agency (UBA) against using
the research that is done to find if there areproducts containing nanoparticles while risks to the
repercussions.environment remains unknown.
Some studies have concluded that in healthy skin,UBA claims there are significant data gaps that need
these minuscule particles are unlikely to cross the skinto be explored concerning human health and the
barrier and enter the body's system.environment even though the German government
Other researchers have found in their experimentscreated a nanotechnology commission. The UBA
that nanoparticles do, indeed penetrate deeper andagency believes the first step for a legal frame work
have been found to accumulate in organs. Quotedshould be compulsory labeling and a register to list all
from an article published in The Economist magazine,nano containing products. This would provide a
November, 2007:-transparent development for the technology; there
"Research on animals suggests that the nanoparticlesare over 800 companies in Germany producing a
can even evade some of the body's natural defenselarge number of consumer products that incorporate
systems and accumulate in the brain, cells, blood andnanoparticles. These products include cosmetics and
nerves"sunscreens.
In a study at the University of California, LA,The agency is far from condemning all nano science.
researchers have found a potential risk of cancer andNano plastics for cars and planes reduce their weight
genetic disorders for individuals working with highcontributing to fuel efficiency.
concentrations of Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles.A research team at EPA will be investigating the use
Consumers were advised to avoid food colours,of nano materials, particularly titanium dioxide used in
vitamins and non-essential drug additives containingcosmetics.
this ingredient as well as spray-on sunscreens asRecent study at Biomedical Science Institute in
these particles can be inhaled.Northern Ireland demonstrated a possible link
Further human studies are needed to trulybetween nanoparticles and brain disorders such as
understand the health effects of titanium dioxideAlzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
nano, according to the scientists. "Some people couldIncreasing amounts of nanoparticles are finding their
be more sensitive to nano exposure than others. Iway into waste-water streams from personal care
believe the toxicity of these nanoparticles has notand cosmetic products, pharmaceutical and food
been studied enough" said Robert Schiesti, one ofproducts as well as industrial waste. It is largely
the authors of the article published in the Journal ofunknown how these tiny particles interact with
Cancer Research (1)current waste water treatment systems.
It appears there are no labeling requirements in mostI don't know about you, but it appears to me that
countries, and so consumers are not even informed ifwe need to be very concerned about
the products they use contain nanoparticles.nanotechnology and the obvious lack of checks and
In March 2010, the UK Government nanotechnologybalances world wide.
strategy was released with the aim to develop theAt the very least consumers should be provided with
technology to benefit the economy and consumers.concise labeling of products containing nanoparticles in
The strategy plans to address barriers to the growththe ingredients, so informed choices can be made by
of the technology and is committed to mandatorythe individual.
labeling of nanoparticles in cosmetic products by 2013.If all the world's people are agitating, and not just
The British consumer magazine 'Which?' has criticizedthose who are often labeled 'greenies' in a
the strategy, claiming the British government "...hasderogatory way, but scientists and researchers who's
dodged some central issues around nanotechnologies,life work is to test for anomalies then it might be a
such as the need for a mandatory reporting schemegood idea to stand behind them and pressure our
and plugging research gaps" said Peter Vickery-Smithrespective governments and authorities to ensure
CEO of 'Which?' He went on to say "This strategythe safety of the products we use daily on ourselves
was supposed to deliver clear direction to drive thisand our families.