Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Sunscreens: Properties, Current Regulations, and Potential Effects on Human and Environmental Wellbeing

Abstract

From 2001 to 2010, the incidence rates of melanomas have increased by over 2% for both Canadian men and women. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are common additives to sunscreen products. Their ability to render creams and lotions transparent, as well as their use as an ultraviolet light filter makes them a popular choice. Yet their effects on the skin, other organs, and the environment are largely unexplored, giving rise to questions about their safety. Current research findings report that titanium dioxide nanoparticles tend to be less hazardous to organisms than other nanomaterials. Nonetheless, studies on test animals and cell cultures show significant neurological, pulmonary, cardiac, and genetic damage once titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been absorbed into the bloodstream through inhalation and ingestion. Nanoparticles are also usually discharged as feces and urine, rinsed off, or disposed of through sewage to enter wastewater treatment plants and released into the surrounding ecosystems. The largest obstacle in nanoparticle research is the lack of consistency in terms of measuring and reporting findings. Since the amounts of nanoparticles present after experiments are often not recorded, it is difficult to quantify the amount of nanoparticles in our environment and the rate at which they are released. In addition, manufacturers often do not label their products accurately, leading to misinformed consumers and the potential for adverse health effects. It is for these reasons that the scientific community, governments, industries, and environmental groups need to collaborate in the interest of public health and environmental sustainability in order set the precedence for future scientific advancements. This review provides background information on the properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, the effects of such particles on human and environmental health, the current regulations in place in Europe and North America, as well as suggestions for improving consumer safety.De 2001 à 2010, la fréquence des mélanomes avait augmentée par plus de 2% pour les hommes et les femmes canadiens. Les nanoparticules de dioxyde de titane sont des additifs communs dans des produits de protection anti-UV. Elles sont un choix populaire à cause de leur capacité pour rendre les lotions et les crèmes transparentes, et leur fonction comme un filtre des rayons UV. Pourtant, leurs effets sur la peau, les autres organes et l'environnement sont pour la plupart inexplorés, qui provoque des questions concernant la sécurité de leur utilisation. Les résultats courants nous montrent que les nanoparticules de dioxyde de titane sont souvent moins dangereuses pour les organismes que les autres nanomatériaux. Néanmoins, les recherches sur les animaux de laboratoire et les cultures cellulaires montrent qu'il y a des dommages neurologiques, pulmonaires, cardiaques et génétiques assez signifiants une fois que les nanoparticules de dioxyde de titane sont absorbées par le système sanguin au moyen d'inhalation et ingestion. Les nanop...