Exposure to TiO2
According to a recent study conducted by researchers at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles found in everything from cosmetics and sunscreen to paint and vitamins, can cause systemic genetic damage in mice.
“Titanium dioxide nanoparticles caused chromosomal damage, as well as inflammation, all of which increase the risk of cancer,” said the University in a release.
Researchers found that, once in the body, the TiO2 nanoparticles accumulate in different organs because the body has no way to eliminate them. And because they are so small, they can go everywhere, even through cells, and may interfere with sub-cellular mechanisms.
“Titanium by itself is chemically inert. However, when the particles become progressively smaller, their surface, in turn, becomes progressively bigger, and in the interaction of this surface with the environment, oxidative stress is induced,” said senior study author Robert Schiestl, UCLA professor of pathology, radiation oncology and environmental health sciences and a Jonsson Cancer Center scientist.
In the study, mice were exposed to the TiO2 nanoparticles in their drinking water and began showing genetic damage on the fifth day. However, oral absorption of nano-particles contained in cosmetics is unlikely to occur.
Schiestl said the nanoparticles cannot go through the skin, so he recommends using a lotion sunscreen. Spray-on sunscreens could potentially be inhaled and the nanoparticles can become lodged in the lungs. Actually, people occupationally exposed to high concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles are especially concerned about a potential risk of cancer or genetic disorders.
Friends of the Earth call for temporary ban
In parallel, testing commissioned by Friends of the Earth, an environmentalist NGO, has found nano-particles in foundations and concealers sold by big name brands in Australia.
“Australian women shouldn’t be used as guinea pigs by the big cosmetics companies and the nanotechnology industry”, said Friends of the Earth nanotechnology spokesperson Georgia Miller
“A big concern is that in 7 of the 10 products we surveyed, Friends of the Earth found ingredients that are known to act as ‘penetration enhancers’. These ingredients alter skin structure, promoting the uptake of chemicals. This increases the possibility that nanoparticles used in the cosmetics will be absorbed into women’s skin. The 3 products that did not contain skin ‘penetration enhancers’ were mineral foundations – and these products pose risks of inhalation,” she added.
The organisation therefore calls for a temporary ban on sales of cosmetics that contain nano-ingredients until new safety assessments are conducted, and new laws are introduced to make companies test the safety of their products and to label all nano-ingredients.
New European requirements
In Europe, the new regulation on cosmetic products requires a safety assessment procedure for all products containing nanomaterials, which could lead to a ban on a substance if there is a risk to human health. Cosmetic products containing nanoparticules will have to be notified to the Commission six months prior being placed on the market. In case of concern regarding the safety of a nanomaterial, the Commision will have to seize the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) for giving an opinion.
According to the new European law, nano-materials present in cosmetics will have to be mentioned in the list of ingredients on the packaging.
