Last year, the world was shocked to learn that some nanoparticle ingredients in Australian sunscreens behave as extreme photocatalysts. In a peer-reviewed study, researchers from BlueScope Steel found that 5 of 6 tested nano-sunscreens aggressively generated free radicals. Some of the sunscreens caused damage to pre-painted steel roofs that was 100 times faster than usual. Nanotoxicologists warned that these photoactive nanoparticles could pose risks to both sunscreen users and the environment.
But 18 months after the study was published, Australia's sunscreens regulator the Therapeutic Goods Administration has refused to take action to manage the risks of nano-sunscreens. In recent correspondence to Friends of the Earth, the TGA has said that it did not think the BlueScope Steel findings were sufficient to warrant nanoparticles that behave as extreme photocatalysts being kept out of sunscreens.
The TGA also refuses to make companies submit safety data on nano-ingredients before they can be used in sunscreen, and to label nano-ingredients so that people can make an informed sunscreen choice. The TGA has justified its failure to keep high-risk nanoparticles out of sunscreens by saying that there is no evidence that these nano-ingredients penetrate skin. But when so little is known about skin penetration by nanoparticles in sunscreen, and when we know that nanoparticles not used in sunscreen do penetrate skin, this approach is grossly irresponsible. The failure to label nano-ingredients is particularly problematic for people who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis or sunburn that may leave them more vulnerable to nanoparticle skin penetration.
The European Parliament has passed new laws that will make nanoparticles in sunscreens and cosmetics face mandatory safety testing and labelling. Friends of the Earth calls for Australia to do the same.
If you share our concerns about nano-sunscreens, we encourage you to email the Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon and cc Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mark Butler and tell them that: - high risk nanoparticles should be kept out of sunscreens - you want safety testing for all nano-ingredients before they can be used in sunscreens - you support mandatory labelling to give people informed choice
Federal Health Minister: nicola.roxon.mp@aph.gov.au
Parliamentary Secretary for Health: mark.butler.mp@aph.gov.au
If you're worried about the safety of some nano-sunscreens this summer, our new Safe Sunscreen consumer guide helps you make a nano-free choice.
