Q. You have written columns suggesting use of sunscreens with microparticles of zinc or titanium. I read that some scientists are concerned about nanoparticles found in products such as sunscreen. These particles are so tiny they could get into places in our bodies that larger particles can’t.
No one knows how dangerous this might be, but some experts suggest we exercise caution and avoid nanotechnology in products such as sunscreen. Shouldn’t you warn people about the danger?
A. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is the collaborative group of scientists that first raised a red flag about nanoparticles in sunscreens. These extremely small particles of titanium and zinc compounds provide an effective way of blocking both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike the old white zinc oxide cream lifeguards used to smear on their noses, products containing nanoparticles appear transparent.
The researchers were suspicious about nanoparticles and expected that after reviewing all the safety data they would recommend against using such products. They have now completed their analysis. It includes nearly 400 peer-reviewed studies. The conclusions they reached were quite different from those they anticipated:
“Repeated studies have shown that these ingredients do not penetrate healthy skin, indicating that consumers’ exposures would be minimal.” The scientists are critical of many other sunscreen ingredients and now suggest that consumers look for sunscreens with zinc or titanium to provide broad UV protection.
