Nanoparticles of zinc or titanium do not increase the protective power of a sunscreen and they pose health risks, according to a recent Friends of the Earth report.
The environmental group is warning consumers to be cautious when it comes to nano-containing products and calling on the industry and government to instigate pre-market testing.
Friends of the Earth’s report details eight reasons why consumers should be wary of nanomaterials in sunscreens as well stating there is no evidence that they improve protection.
“Consumers must be aware that nanomaterials are being put into sunscreens with very little evidence about their safety and relative efficacy,” said one of the report authors and Friends of the Earth’s health and environment campaigner Ian Illuminato.
A large number of sunscreen products use nanosize particles of the physical UV filters, zinc and titanium. This allows them to spread more easily, giving better coverage without leaving the white film traditionally associated with high SPF products.
In addition, according to some suppliers nano-titanium dioxide and -zinc oxide are more effective at blocking UV rays than their larger counterparts.
The Friends of the Earth report cites a study in 2007 by the Consumer’s Union that concluded there was no correlation between nanomaterial content and sun protection.
Tags: friends of the earth, mineral makeupo nanoparticles, nanoparticles, safe cosmetics, suncreen
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