Nanoparticles in top cosmetics: testing and labelling needed
In response to scientific testing commissioned by Friends of the Earth and released today, revealing that nanotechnology is used in beauty products sold by eight leading cosmetic brands, Greens MP and health spokesperson Lee Rhiannon is calling for new laws around safety testing and the mandatory labelling of products containing nanotechnology. (Sydney Morning Herald, 24 November 2009, page 5)
Testing showed nanoparticles in concealers and foundations sold by Clinique, Clarins, L’Oreal, Revlon, The Body Shop, Max Factor, Lancome Paris and By Terry.
“These new test results reveal that the big cosmetic companies are enthusiastically embracing the use of nanotechnology in their products, despite the significant potential health risks to the millions of women who use them on a daily basis,” Ms Rhiannon said.
“While Europe now has laws that will require safety testing and labelling when nanoparticles are used in sunscreens and cosmetics, Australia is a regulatory wasteland.
“The Rees government has been asleep at the wheel since the release of a 2008 NSW Parliamentary Report on Nanotechnology.
“In May 2009 the NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research Jodi McKay pledged to raise the issue of mandatory labelling for cosmetics and sunscreen with the federal government, but we have heard nothing since.
“Scientists have raised the possibility of serious toxicity risks from nanotechnology, suggesting it could damage cells, organs and cause cancer. A recent study showed nanoparticles might damage DNA without even penetrating cells.
Lee Rhiannon recently attempted to use freedom of information laws to obtain a list of sunscreens sold in Australia that contain nanoparticles. The Therapeutic Goods Administration admitted they did not keep this information.
“Women here have no way of knowing whether beauty products may contain nanoparticles, creating negative implications for their health in the long term.
“The health impacts of nanoparticles in cosmetics and sunscreens are unclear, especially when used by people whose skin is broken or where they have eczema or acne.
“Australia should be following Europe’s lead and requiring rigorous safety testing and labelling of products using nanotechnology, which is now employed in everything from socks to health supplements.
“Both state and federal governments need to be keeping up with this booming, billion dollar business to protect consumers and ensure they don’t have the next big asbestos scandal on their hands,” Ms Rhiannon said.
