Looking closely at food labels isn't always enough.
Lip balm, FFP2 mask, puff pastry... Depending on the brands and their manufacturing process, these consumer products may contain microscopic substances called nanoparticles, which are not labeled and present potential health risks.
After having tested 23 products, the Association of monitoring and civic information on the stakes of nanosciences and nanotechnologies (Avicenn), denounces the presence of "nanos" "of an unsuspected scale" and sometimes unauthorized on the market.
Nanoparticles were detected in 20 of the 23 products analysed.
Their findings were reported in a study published Thursday, December 15.
Pinned cosmetics but not only
To reach this observation, the association tested everyday consumer products in 2021 and 2022 in the laboratory, the presence of nanos in which was “suspected but never tested until then”, indicates the report.
Equipped with a scanning electron microscope, the researchers from the National Metrology and Testing Laboratory, in charge of this mission, were able to identify the shape and size of the nanos, then confirm the nature of the substance with a closer analysis. thorough.
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60 million consumers
These tests thus revealed the presence of titanium dioxide in 10 products, 6 of which were derived from cosmetics, such as L'Oréal's Light from Paradise illuminating powder, Le Gaulois packaging blotter or even more surprisingly, in Uniqlo's Supima boxers.
Silver nanoparticles have also been detected in a Signal children's toothbrush, or in Nana's Intimewear menstrual panties.
The researchers found traces of silica in the Optipro 0-6 month Guigoz infant milk, the FFP2 Next BW mask, and iron oxides in the Vegan Naturelle lipstick from Labello certified organic, or the 5-in-1 BB Cream. 1 from Nivea.
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Documented health hazards
These components are likely to cause many undesirable effects.
Titanium dioxide, used as a colorant and opacifier by manufacturers, has been identified as a possible carcinogen for humans by inhalation, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the European Commission.
It is also suspected of weakening the immune system.
Silver nanoparticles, used for their anti-odor property, are suspected of neurotoxicity and risk for fertility, while silica could “not only damage DNA but also transport other substances that are also genotoxic “, reports the association Avicenn.
However, if “certain products contain a considerable number of nanos”, like L'Oréal's illuminating powder, the association notes that “in certain products, the nanos are detected in a much lower proportion”.
This is the case with the ZOPLAN depolluting paint or the Le Gaulois blotting wipe.
Expected efforts
“There is no acute risk in the event of consumption of one or more products from the short-term list, nuance Mathilde Detcheverry, general delegate of the Avicenn association, with
France Info
.
What is, however, pointed out by numerous scientific publications, are the effects of chronic and cumulative exposure”.
Among the main lessons of the study, the Avicenn association considers that these results show “the imperative need to reinforce reminders of the law, controls and sanctions by the authorities.”
The organization specifically calls on public authorities and manufacturers to demonstrate greater transparency regarding the list of ingredients in consumer products, and above all to extend the labeling obligation for “nanos” to other categories, such as textiles. , childcare articles, food packaging, kitchen equipment...
