Consumers are surrounded by warnings of the dangers contained in everything from baby shampoo to denture cream. Recently there has been growing concern over nanoparticles in sunscreens and mineral make up. Is there real danger here or is this just another overhyped story?
What Are Nanoparticles?
A nanoparticle is a piece of material so small that its size is measured in nanometers or billionths of a meter. As a comparison, a typical nanoparticle is approximately 10,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair.
The size of nanoparticles is their greatest asset and their greatest health risk. The human body is equipped with defenses designed to keep toxic substances out as they come into contact with our skin, lungs, and intestinal tract.
Nanoparticles are so small they can infiltrate the lungs and intestinal walls, giving the toxins free access to the body. There is some evidence that they may be absorbed directly through the skin as well but the results are inconclusive at this point.
Even non-toxic nanoparticles can cause problems. For example they can get into our lungs but are so small they are not easily cleared by normal mechanisms. This causes the lungs to be overburdened and have to work harder to breathe.
Where Are Nanoparticles Found?
Two common sources of nanoparticles today are sunscreens and mineral make up.
Ironically, nanoparticles used in sunscreen came about because of an effort to avoid toxic materials. Reports of the dangerous effects of benzophenone, homosalate and octyl-methoxycinnamate that some sunscreens use caused many consumers to return to the old-school products containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
However, many people didn't like how these sunscreens looked and wanted something transparent. Manufacturers discovered that by dispersing the titanium dioxide as nanoparticles, it went on clear while still providing sun protection.
The use of nanoparticles in mineral make up was also an attempt to improve the appearance of the product. Pulverizing the minerals to nano-size gave the cosmetics a smoother, more glowing appearance. Consumers liked the change but didn't realize there were associated health risks.
How Do You Avoid Nanoparticles?
Numerous research studies have showed the dangerous effects of nanoparticles and there is little doubt that they pose a significant health threat. A movement is underway to have the FDA regulate engineered nanoparticles much more rigorously. Until that time, consumers have to be smart shoppers.
When buying sunscreens that use metal oxides or mineral make up, look for products that don't use nanoparticles or "micronized" particles. "Non-Micronized" particles are larger than nanoparticles so are safer. Titanium dioxide particles can also be coated with stearic acid to further prevent interaction of the mineral with the body.
Stick with mineral make up that uses titanium dioxide in cream form rather than powder form.
This prevents the particles from being absorbed through the skin or becoming airborne and getting into the lungs. If you are concerned about the health risks of nanoparticles, consider using one of the many great choices in natural and organic cosmetics that allow you to look great without risking your health.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
When waxing my Brows my skin tears
By: kimossp | 19-08-2008
How to eliminate Bleeding when waxing my eyebrows
Does Adrienne sell her beauty products and skin ...
By: franqsk137 | 19-08-2008
Does Adrienne sell her beauty products and skin care on QVC?
Hello my question is how do find a service center ...
By: John h. | 18-08-2008
Hello my question is how do find a service center to repair my fuji A900. The lens does not come out when i turn it on. i cannot use it because it gives me an error message (zoom error) then goes off.
I read on : http://www.parachutetherapie.com ...
By: Flowers | 18-08-2008
I read on : http://www.parachutetherapie.com/managing.html that different types of hair require different treatments to care for them, it site says curly hair needs more moisturising cos they tend to get dry. Thought of sharing this wid U .So what kind of hair do you have and how do you take care of it?
Hair color
By: Shelby | 16-08-2008
I want to dye my hair with aqua lowlights and i really need pictures for ideas. Can you send me some pictures for ideas please?
this is how my hair looks..
PLease Help ME!!!!!!!
Chinese girl not pretty enough?
By: luvfood3 | 14-08-2008
I heard this little girl named Yang Peiyi sang in the Olympics, but the Chinese committee thought she wasn't pretty enough so another little girl stood in for her. Was this right?
Q&A Powered by:
More from Christine Harrell
UCC Filing Requires Perfection for the UCC Redemption Process - Tips For Filing A UCC1 Form
By: Christine Harrell | 02/10/2008 | Personal Finance
Filing a UCC1 form can be tricky business and requires nothing short of perfection or it can end up being filed wrong, thus ineffective, and that is the very last thing anyone would ever want go wrong! This doesn't mean it is impossible.
Personal Injury Attorneys and the Types of Cases They Handle
By: Christine Harrell | 02/10/2008 | National, State, Local
A personal injury attorney can handle many different types of cases where someone has been injured or even killed. Some of them work with several different kinds of injuries while others focus on a specific injury. To find a lawyer that best meets your needs and will be able to handle your case, look for a lawyer knowledgeable about your particular area of tort law.
Getting Better Mileage From Your Willys Pick Up
By: Christine Harrell | 02/10/2008 | Cars
We love a lot of things about our pick ups and jeeps, but there is one thing Willys owners don't love and that's the mileage.
Tips For Keeping Your Server Room Cool
By: Christine Harrell | 01/10/2008 | Technology
Server room air conditioning is an ongoing challenge for the average administrator. Equipment runs hotter than in years past and often the cooling capacity has trouble keeping up.
Obtaining A China Visa - New Changes To The China Visa Application
By: Christine Harrell | 30/09/2008 | Travel
Thanks to the Chinese Embassy, tourists and business people can go to China will less hassle, and they may even be able to go back more than once.
Protect Your Business Against Modern Security Threats
By: Christine Harrell | 29/09/2008 | Technology
Industrial espionage is more common than most people think. Organizations that don't protect themselves risk loss of customers and market share.
Fiber Optic Tools That Make The Job Easier
By: Christine Harrell | 29/09/2008 | Technology
When you are providing fiber optic services, a complete set of fiber optic tools lets you complete the job more quickly and completely.
Riding Motocross: For the Young At Heart, Not Just For The Young
By: Christine Harrell | 26/09/2008 | Extreme Sports
Although people think of motocross as something for the kids, dedicated riders continue into their 40s, 50s and older.
Health 
