…research probes potential link between cancer and a common chemical (nano-sized zinc oxide)…

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://news.ntu.edu.sg/pages/newsdetail.aspx?URL=http://news.ntu.edu.sg/news/Pages/NR2011_Nov29.aspx&Guid=ec109ea3-0d88-4498-8079-3a8f0c041fbd&Category=News+Releases

NTU-led research probes potential link between cancer and a common chemical in consumer products

Published on : 29-Nov-2011

A study led by a group of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) researchers has found that a chemical commonly used in consumer products can potentially cause cancer.

The chemical, Zinc Oxide, is used to absorb harmful ultra violet light. But when it is turned into nano-sized particles, they are able to enter human cells and may damage the user's DNA. This in turn activates a protein called p53, whose duty is to prevent damaged cells from multiplying and becoming cancerous. However, cells that lack p53 or do not produce enough functional p53 may instead develop into cancerous cells when they come into contact with Zinc Oxide nanoparticles.

…

The findings suggest that companies may need to reassess the health impact of nano-sized Zinc Oxide particles used in everyday products. More studies are also needed on the use and concentration levels of nanomaterials in consumer products, how often a consumer uses them and in what quantities.

…

“From our studies, we found that nanoparticles can also increase stress levels in cells, cause inflammation or simply kill cells,” said Asst Prof Ng who added that apart from finding out the cellular mechanism, more focused research is also expected to ascertain the physiological effects and damage that nano-sized Zinc Oxide particles can cause.

…

[no_hypocrisy]

1. In which kind of consumer products?

[snagglepuss]

3. That was my first rx as well. No mention of the products stands out like a sore thumb.

[OKIsItJustMe]

11. I believe the primary concern would be sunscreen

http://www.google.com/search?q=nano+zinc+oxide

[snagglepuss]

2. I wonder how common these particles are in products. Are these in sunscreens

or hand lotions? I've heard about nanoparticles but I had no idea that they are already in use.


Thanks for posting.

[State the Obvious]

4. Google "products that contain zinc oxide"

It's everywhere!

(I would link, but I'm late for an appt.)

[DLnyc]

5. but nano-sized particles is less common.

Normal way is just zinc oxide (normal sized particles), I think.

Nano-sized particles is a new thing and not as common, as I read it.

[Schema Thing]

7. just a guess here, but

but I bet it is in any product containing zinc oxide that is clear. Like sunscreen.

[DLnyc]

12. Yes, the nano-izing apparently makes the product clear

Some random info:
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=13536

[BlancheSplanchnik]

6. looks like nano-sized are used in products with UV-UVB protection

I found two main applications where the whitening quality of regular zinc oxide is undesirable:

UV-UVB blocking Plastics for food protection
and
Many cosmetics, such as moisturizers, lip products, foundations, make-up bases, face powders, hand creams, etc.

Well, that's interesting........
I don't know if the particles used in plastics are on the surface or if they can detach easily, but particles in cosmetics sure sound like a potential problem.

Anyway, there seems to be a lot you can check on google, nothing really definitative yet. I can't even find a date for when nano-particles were first invented.

[northoftheborder]

8. Please keep up research on this...

I use sunscreen makeup on face every day, also sunscreen on hands and arms all year, as my skin will freckle and create a brown rash from sun, even just in driving.

[snagglepuss]

9. Here's an interesting and unnerving article

http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/nanoparticles.cfm

[snagglepuss]

10. Check this out about safe brands to use

http://blisstree.com/look/sunscreen-nanoparticles-linked-to-cell-damage/