Nanotechnology has been on my radar for some years however I never found the time to look into it properly. Recently a few of my friends have raised eyebrows at the topic which has spurred me on to find out what this technology is all about.
Nanotechnology involves reducing the size of a chemical or mineral to “100 times smaller than a red blood cell” (Miller, 2009). The cosmetic companies adore this technology as it enables them to create products with a smoother or clearer consistency that performs better, hides wrinkles or makes skin glow. As consumers, we also think that the product is superior for the exact same reasons! However, this very new technology is associated with many danger warnings and the consequences of using it are still largely unknown. The small amount of research that has actually been conducted into using this technology in personal care products is looking pretty grim at this stage.
The scary thing about nanoparticles is also the same reason that the cosmetic companies love them: their teensy weensy size allows them to penetrate the skin very effectively. As I mentioned previously, they may lessen your wrinkles or moisturise more successfully but they may also be entering your blood stream. If you have damaged skin i.e. sunburnt or have eczema, then your skin’s barrier is compromised meaning that these particles can pass through it with even more ease. Once in your system, there are further concerns that these particles can cross membranes and enter organs including reproductive organs hence potentially endangering unborn babies.
There is also reason to believe that they have the ability to harm DNA due to their ability to create free radicals which in turn can lead to cancer. Not to mention that they can also be inhaled or ingested (think powders, lip gloss, toothpaste etc). Pretty heavy stuff isn’t it!?
There is also reason to believe that they have the ability to harm DNA due to their ability to create free radicals which in turn can lead to cancer. Not to mention that they can also be inhaled or ingested (think powders, lip gloss, toothpaste etc). Pretty heavy stuff isn’t it!?
As the current state of things stands, there are no regulations on nanotechnology. No pre-use testing and no labelling which means that the cosmetic companies can run wild with this technology and we will not be aware we are using it or what its effects may be. The only way to be sure that your product is nano-free is to ask the cosmetic companies directly or check whether they provide any information about it on their website.
The positive news is that the good old pioneering EU is in the midst of releasing groundbreaking new rules on nanotechnology; specifically labelling and pre-testing which are due to be launched in 2013. Let’s hope that they create a workable model that other governments around the world can easily (and quickly) adopt!
xoxo
Miss Chemical Detective
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