Sunscreens with Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nano-Particles: A Societal Experiment

Abstract

The risks of novel technologies, such as nano(bio)technology cannot be fully assessed due to the existing uncertainties surrounding their introduction into society. Consequently, the introduction of innovative technologies can be conceptualised as a societal experiment, which is a helpful approach to evaluate moral acceptability. This approach is illustrated with the marketing of sunscreens containing nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles. We argue that the marketing of this TiO2 nanomaterial in UV protective cosmetics is ethically undesirable, since it violates four reasonable moral conditions for societal experimentation (absence of alternatives, controllability, limited informed consent, and continuing evaluation). To remedy the current way nano-sized TiO2 containing sunscreens are utilised, we suggest five complementing actions (closing the gap, setup monitoring tools, continuing review, designing for safety, and regulative improvements) so that its marketing can become more acceptable.

Nanoecotoxicological Effects of a Sunscreen Formulation based on Tio2 Nanoparticles on Microalgae from Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

“…The images also revealed that most Np had elliptical morphology with a smooth surface ( Figure 3B). These results corroborate the observations of Jacobs and coworkers [24] who noticed that TiO 2 -Np tend to agglomerate and aggregate into larger structures. Thus, to refer to TiO 2 -Np as monodisperse may be a misnomer under common environmental conditions [25].…”

New Technologies Should not be Treated as Social Experiments

“…3, 349-351, http Van de Poel (2011) argues that nuclear power should be treated as an ongoing social experiment that needs to be continuously monitored and evaluated. In his reports (2009; Jacobs, Van de Poel, & Osseweijer, 2010), he makes similar claims about other technologies. Van de Poel's main point is that the technology-as-a-social-experiment metaphor has important implications for the ethical evaluation of new technologies.…”

Toxicity Associated with the Photo Catalytic and Photo Stable Forms of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Used in Sunscreen lotion

“…The nanoparticles can, for example, be fixed in a matrix, such as the silica beads with nano-sized TiO 2 particles from the Sunjin Chemical Corporation, or be bonded together via a surface coating. 126 The presence of coatings also adds to the uncertainty about the effectiveness of efforts to reduce unwanted photo activity, and the durability of the coating layer during its life-cycle. 128 Some researchers have characterized silica, zircon and alumina as charge transfer catalysts, 129 which are solids that have the ability to trap reactive electrons (e − ) and electropositive holes (h + ), 130 and their porous structures facilitate the access of reactant molecules to active surface sites.…”

“…The labels on sunscreens generally do not indicate which crystal forms of titanium dioxide are present or what types of coating are used. The material used for the surface coatings, its thickness, its chemical purity, or the use of multiple coatings further increases the heterogeneity of the utilized TiO 2 nanoparticles, 126,127 The matrix in which the nano-sized TiO 2 particle resides contributes another factor. The nanoparticles can, for example, be fixed in a matrix, such as the silica beads with nano-sized TiO 2 particles from the Sunjin Chemical Corporation, or be bonded together via a surface coating.…”