Nanotechnology Now

Our NanoNews Digest Sponsors
Heifer International



Home > Nanotechnology Columns > Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. > EPA Researches How Sunscreens Containing Engineered Nanomaterials Might Change When Exposed to Chemicals in Pool Water

Lynn L. Bergeson
Managing Director
Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.

Abstract:
An August 15, 2016, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) blog item describes EPA's research on sunscreens containing engineered nanomaterials and how they might change when exposed to chemicals in pool water.

September 21st, 2016

EPA Researches How Sunscreens Containing Engineered Nanomaterials Might Change When Exposed to Chemicals in Pool Water

An August 15, 2016, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) blog item describes EPA's research on sunscreens containing engineered nanomaterials and how they might change when exposed to chemicals in pool water. See https://blog.epa.gov/blog/2016/08/suncreen-and-sun-safety/ According to EPA, many sunscreens contain titanium dioxide engineered nanomaterials, which are often coated with other materials such as aluminum hydroxide to shield skin from reactive oxygen species. EPA researchers are testing to see whether swimming pool water degrades the aluminum hydroxide coating, and if the extent of the degradation is enough to allow the production of potentially harmful reactive oxygen species. Results show that after three days, pool water caused the aluminum hydroxide coating to degrade, which can reduce the coating's protective properties and increase the potential toxicity. EPA notes that even with degraded coating, the toxicity measured from the coated titanium dioxide was significantly less than the uncoated material, and "these sunscreens still provide life-saving protection against UV radiation." According to EPA, the study provides evidence that when released into the environment, nanomaterials undergo physical and/or chemical transformations -- "an important consideration when measuring the impact of these materials on public health and the environment."

Bookmark:
Delicious Digg Newsvine Google Yahoo Reddit Magnoliacom Furl Facebook

NanoNews-Digest
The latest news from around the world, FREE




  Premium Products
NanoNews-Custom
Only the news you want to read!
 Learn More
NanoStrategies
Full-service, expert consulting
 Learn More











ASP
Nanotechnology Now Featured Books




NNN

The Hunger Project