Regulator rejects call for sunscreen chemical ban

Environmental group, Friends of the Earth (FoE), is calling for an immediate ban on a chemical found in children’s sunscreens, a move rejected by Australian regulators.

The group claims new testing reveals many sunscreens and cosmetic products contain traces of anatase titanium dioxide, despite years of warning that it had the potential to generate free radicals that could damage DNA and protein.

Research conducted in 2008 into anatase titanium dioxide found that the chemical’s nanoparticles in sunscreen could react with sunlight to break down the coating of Colorbond roofs, Friends of the Earth said.

Now, new research commissioned by FoE has found six out of eight tested sunscreens still contain the chemical.

These are: Nivea 'Kids'; Coco Island 'White Zinc'; Key Sun 'White Zinke'; L'Oreal infallible 'Advanced Never Fail Makeup'; Covergirl natureluxe 'liquid silk foundation'; and Australis 'Powder Cream’ make-up. 

Friends of the Earth spokeswoman Louise Sales called for an immediate ban on the use of anastase titanium dioxide in sunscreens, and for the safety testing and labeling of other sunscreen nano-ingredients.

She was "concerned that the TGA had not kept up to date with science. AN increasing number of studies suggest that nanoparticles can penetrate the skin, and FoE believes this evidence warrants a precautionary approach."

A TGA spokeswoman said there was currently no evidence to suggest that sunscreen products which incorporate nanotechnologies pose greater safety risks than other products.

"The Australian TGA has not identified any evidence that supports the proposed changes to labelling requirements in relation to nanoparticles," the spokeswoman said.

"The risks of excessive sun exposure are well-documented and outweigh unproven theoretical risks related to nanoparticles".

"The TGA is aware of the studies referenced… However, to date, the current weight of evidence, including from the studies referenced, suggests that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles do not reach living skin cells, rather, they remain on the surface of the skin".

From July all sunscreens in Europe will be required to show labels listing all the nano-ingredients used in them.

Source:
http://www.news.ezonearticle.com/2013/03/06/regulator-rejects-call-for-sunscreen-chemical-ban/