The health risks of regular exposure to these microscopic additives are pointed out in a report by the Avicenn association.
Out of 23 products tested, 20 contain nanoparticles, which are sometimes prohibited and not labelled: this is the alarming observation made by the Avicenn association following its investigation of everyday consumer goods and various categories. “We would not have bet on such a high proportionshe wrote in her report published on Thursday.
L’Oréal face powder, Knorr dehydrated soup, Signal children’s toothbrush, Guigoz infant milk, Le Gaulois chicken cutlet blotting paper… So many products passed through electronic scanning by the National Metrology and Testing Laboratory (LNE). ) and who tested positive for titanium dioxide, silica, iron oxides or silver particles.
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The products selected weresold on a large scale» et «more likely than others to contain nanos(abbreviation of nanoparticles Editor’s note), and yet the presence of these substances is indicative of legislative breaches and deceptions of industrialists, according to the association. Thus, all the cosmetics tested contain unauthorized nanos (titanium dioxide or iron oxides), in proportions far exceeding the tolerated levels. The Nana menstrual panties, the Baccide antiviral mask and the Signal toothbrush contain silver nanoparticles without showing the mention [nano] yet mandatory at the time of their purchase. Since January 2022, products with silver nanoparticles have also been banned from sale. The presence of nanosilica, an anticoagulant widely used in powdered foodstuffs and referenced as E551, is “almost impossible to find on the labelscastigates the report.
Breaches of European legislation which since 2014 has imposed the figuration of the labeling [nano] on the packagingshow the urgent need to strengthen reminders of the law, controls and sanctions by the authoritiesinsists Avicenn. The association denouncesostrich politics» industrialists as well as legislative institutions.
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Health risks
The small size of these elements favors their absorption then their diffusion in the body despite the protective barriers. The effects vary depending on the nanos considered, the frequency and the quantities ingested. Nanosilver thus poses risks to the nervous system and fertility. Silica nanoparticles are responsible for DNA damage and immune disturbances. The same goes for titanium dioxide which, since 2019, has been classified as carcinogenic at European level when inhaled. Although banned in foodstuffs in 2022 due to its genotoxicity, titanium dioxide (E171) is still used in the composition of drugs or cosmetics likely to be ingested such as lipstick and toothpaste.
All solicited by the association, only nine brands out of fourteen were kind enough to respond. Some such as Royal Canin, Knorr, L’Oréal, Snazaroo and Bayer have affirmed the compliance of their products with the regulations in force. Others (Aoste, Signal, Guigoz and Nana) showed themselvessurprisedof these results and launched internal investigations. Labello, Le Gaulois, Nivea, Uniqlo and Solgar remained silent. Among the justifications, non-intentionality is put forward, while the production of nanoparticles requires a specific process. Certificates of “non-dwarfwere also presented, but these are from analyzes that are not precise enough to detect the thinnest particles (those most likely to enter the body).
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Faced with these alarming results, Avicenn calls for “an intensification of efforts (…), both at the level of the public authorities and at the level of the companies“. However, it is necessary to remember that the risks are minimal when the consumption of these products remains occasional.