Nanotechnology

Firms that launch nanomaterial-containing personal care products should evaluate their technology "in terms of how they're used, where they're used and why they're used, the context of exposure and so on, in order to understand what the potential issues may be with these materials in the same way as if it were a new organic molecule, or a new drug," according to Barry Park, chief operating officer for Oxonica, a European technology company. His recent presentation at The Wilson Center was part of the center's "Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies' Perspectives on Nano" series. Based in Oxford, England, Oxonica holds the patent for the Optisol UV Absorber, a sunscreen ingredient with nano-sized titanium dioxide particles. Launched in 2004, the ingredient is formulated into Boots Healthcare's Soltan Facial sun care line. Under a deal with ingredients supplier Croda, the technology will be distributed to the international personal care market, with plans to concentrate in the U.S., Europe and Australia. Nanotechnology in sunscreens and other personal care products have been a topic of recent debate; in May, consumer advocacy groups filed a citizen petition requesting that sunscreens containing nano ingredients be designated "new drugs" (1"The Rose Sheet" May 22, 2006, p. 3)...