Health safety requires labelling of nano sunscreens

"Sunscreens could damage your health, researcher warns", SMH, page 3.

"Australians have become a sunscreen happy nation. The sensible thing is not to give up sunscreen but for governments to require labelling where nano ingredients are used," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The research findings by Amanda Barnard of the CSIRO should sound alarm bells within the NSW and federal governments. This study further underlines the need for product labelling.

"Labelling will allow consumers the choice of which sunscreen they decide to slap on themselves and their children.

"Invisible sunscreen, made possible through the use of nanotechnology, has been shown to risk cancer and even birth defects because of the capacity of extremely small particles to enter cells and damage DNA.

"The NSW government's excuse that labelling of nanoparticles could deter people from using sunscreens is a flimsy one.

"Consumers deserve protection from the risks created by both UV and nanotechnology.

"The Therapeutic Goods Association's reluctance to take a precautionary approach and advocate for mandatory labelling of nano-sized particles in sunscreen and cosmetics is disappointing.

"The extremely small size of nanoparticles mean they are readily taken into the bloodstream, where they can move into organs and tissues, including the brain, heart, liver and nervous system.

"Concerned scientists say nano-technology is emerging as another risky 'wonder' product like asbestos and DDT.

"The NSW government's response to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Nanotechnology, clearly identified the health and environment risk of nanotechnology.

"The evidence is on the table. It is now incumbent on both levels of government to act," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 0427 861 568
Lee's nanotechnology campaign page: http://leerhiannon.org.au/Campaigns/nanotechnology