No-nano sunscreens?(CLAIM CHECK)(Product/service evaluation)

The claim. Some sunscreen and sunblock makers claim their products contain no ultrasmall nanoparticles.

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The check. Tests we commissioned from an outside lab found nano-size ingredients in four of five purportedly nano-free products we bought between December 2007 and January 2008. They had nanoparticles of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (or both). Those compounds help protect against ultraviolet radiation that can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and wrinkles. The maker of the sixth product tested never claimed it didn't have nano.

Bottom line. The risks these nanoparticles might pose and how they compare with the risks of other sunscreen ingredients remain unestablished. Consumers Union, publisher of CONSUMER REPORTS, thinks the FDA should require safety testing for nano-size ingredients and labeling that discloses their presence.

 
Product         Nano claim       Our 
                               findings 
 
Aubrey       No. A company       Yes 
Organics     representative 
Natural Sun  said the 
SPF 25       titanium dioxide 
Green Tea    is Not in nano 
Protective   form. 
Sunscreen 
 
Badger SPF   No. A customer      Yes 
30           service 
Sunscreen    representative ...