nanotechnology in cosmetics Intersting article given that ANO...

nanotechnology in cosmetics Intersting article given that ANO produce the particles for Loreal and others...

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Women buying creams made of tiny particles 'used as guinea pigs'
(The Daily Telegraph, Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)CONSUMERS who use a new generation of cosmetics are being used as "guinea pigs'', scientists said yesterday.

Researchers called for the tightening of testing procedures governing face and sun creams, dietary supplements and other products that harness the special properties of tiny particles of matter, known as nanotechnology.

About 100 people in Germany suffered health problems at the end of March after using a bathroom sealant called Magic Nano.

Nanotechnology involves working with ultra-small matter. Many scientists define it as use of particles measuring in the range of 1-100 nanometres. One nanometre is one-millionth of a millimetre and a human hair measures about 80,000 nanometres in width.



Such particles already exist in the air, produced for example by the burning of fossil fuels and volcanoes, but scientists can now engineer materials at tiny sizes to give them useful properties.

Nano-particles made of metals, alloys and ceramics are already used in many products, including sunscreens.

Researchers at the US-based Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies yesterday announced the setting up of an internet directory of more than 200 products that claim to use nanotechnology. Face creams that use nano-particles include L'Oreal's RevitaLift treatment mask and Lancome Renergie Morpholift. Some Soltan sun creams, produced by Boots and Oxonica, also make use of nanotechnology.

Scientists suggest there could be dangers linked to the ability of nano-particles to cross into areas of the body that larger particulates cannot reach.

Speaking at the Science Media Centre in London yesterday, Andrew Maynard, of the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, said: "In a sense we are using humans as guinea pigs with a lot of these products. There are few proven risks but there are proven hazards. We know that nano-particles can react with other materials in the lungs in a range of different ways. One of the difficulties is whether the toxicity tests done for the authorities is adequate to detect the effects of particles in this size range.''

In March in Germany, Magic Nano, an aerosol glass and ceramic tile sealant, was recalled by its manufacturer. About 100 people who used the spray suffered health problems, including a number of cases who required hospital treatment for water accumulation in the lungs. Most recovered quickly and Kleinmann, the manufacturer, said it was not the nanotechnology that was at fault but an anti-corrosion liquid in the aerosol.

A Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering study concluded that most nanotechnologies posed no new risks but highlighted potential hazards and called for tighter controls. Some critics say little has been done.

Dr Tony Gettins, a scientific adviser at Boots, said: "We carefully research all ingredients. Optisol, the form of microfine titanium dioxide used in some Soltan products, does not penetrate the skin and does not represent a safety risk to consumers.''

A spokesman for L'Oreal and its brand Lancome said: "All products are subjected to thorough tests. Research has proved that the ingredients penetrate no further than the top layers of the epidermis and are therefore safe.''

The inventory can be found at www.nanotechproject.org.