2024-09-29 08:30:00
Nanomaterials, located at the microscopic scale of 1 billionth of a meter, must be handled and dosed with caution, because they pose risks to the health of living beings, including humans. Mainly because these nanoparticles are insoluble or biopersistent. In an age where society is on the hunt for nanoparticles and endocrine disruptors, it would be unwise for nanomaterials to become a danger. In cosmetics, foods or even in the air or water, “nanos” could have unwanted effects.
“The risks associated with exposure to nanomaterials are multiple. More generally, these are inflammatory effects on cellular or animal models. Among workers the main concern is the inhalation route, especially for those who produce nanomaterials”explains Emmanuel Flahaut, doctor in materials science and director of research at CNRS.
Ten years ago, in the book Nanotoxics (Actes Sud, 2014), author Roger Lenglet stated that nanos are as dangerous as asbestos, which causes lung cancer and mesothelioma. To prevent nanoparticles used as ultraviolet filters, dyes or even preservatives from going bad, there are several binding European regulations, such as Reach (authorization of chemical products before their placing on the market), CLP (labelling of substances) or the regulation “relating to cosmetic products” (pre-market notification and prohibited substances).
No international harmonization
But are these protections really respected? Furthermore, there is still no international harmonization. “In France checks are carried out. If they remain insufficient, it is mainly due to the lack of means to implement them. As far as I know, this essentially concerns the labeling – mentioning obligation “[nano]” for the ingredients concerned – in the food, biocides and cosmetics sectors”explains Emmanuel Flahaut.
It is the Directorate General for Consumers, Competition and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), in Bercy, that controls products containing nanomaterials. For example, every year it reviews sunscreen. Only five sunscreens are authorized in the form of nanomaterials, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
«Nine products (mainly makeup: highlighters, eye shadows, gloss, etc.) containing nanomaterials not authorized by the “cosmetics” legislation, in particular iron oxide and titanium dioxide, have been voluntarily withdrawn from the market by the professionals concerned »ensures the DGCCRF, after the control of seventy professionals and the analysis of thirty. This very often results in failure to meet particle size limits or lack of mandatory “nano” labeling. « The R-Nano records [créé en France en 2013 pour y lister les substances nanoparticulaires à déclarer obligatoirement] does not contain any hazard or exposure information »regrets Emmanuel Flahaut.
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