| Posted: June 27, 2007 |
Europe launches consultation on nanomaterials in cosmetic products |
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(Nanowerk News) The development of new methods to assess the potential risk of nanomaterials in cosmetics might be necessary, according to a group of scientists. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) adopted last week its preliminary opinion on the Safety of Nanomaterials in Cosmetic Products. The SCCP and the European Commission have consequently launched a public consultation process, which will be closed on September 6, 2007.
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In its opinion, the SCCP notes that the traditional risk assessment methods –i.e. hazard identification, hazard characterisation and exposure assessment– may not be suitable for nanomaterials in cosmetics and that either a new method should be developed or the existing methodologies for hazard characterisation and exposure assessment should be validated. The SCCP considers that the risk assessment of nanoparticles in cosmetics should be carried out on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific physical, chemical and surface area characteristics of nanomaterials. Previous safety evaluations on nanomaterials used in cosmetics would also need to be revised.
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