Nanoparticles and sunscreens: Five things worth knowing
Channel: Risk Bites
Date: 2014-06-15

What are the risks and benefits of using nanoparticles like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreens? And are they better or worse than chemicals like oxybenzone?

For more information on the pros and cons of nanoparticles in consumer products like sunscreens, check out the links below.  And please remember to join the conversation in the comments.

Topics covered: nanoparticles in sunscreens, active ingredients, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, nanoparticle risks and benefits, nanotechnology, risk assessment, cancer risk.

The Risk Bites Team:
Andrew Maynard
David Faulkner
Alyssa Berry

Risk Bites is supported by the ASU Risk Innovation Lab and School for the Future of Innovation in Society

Backing track: Based on Blue and Green by Rimsky.  http://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty_free_music/songs/blue-and-green


FURTHER INFORMATION AND READING

European Commission review of zinc oxide in sunscreens: http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/zinc-oxide/en/index.htm#2

European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety Opinion on Titanium Dioxide (nano form) http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_136.pdf

Environmental Working Group -- The Trouble with Sunscreen Chemicals: http://www.ewg.org/2014sunscreen/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/

The Nanotechnology in your Sunscreen -- The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/science/small-world/2014/mar/13/nanotechnology-sunscreen-skin-cancer

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