Those seeking to shield themselves from the summer sun may want to look twice at their bottle of sunscreen before applying. A recent study done by Friends Of The Earth, an organization that supports environmental charities through workplace giving campaigns, suggests that sunscreens containing nanoparticles may not only be harmful to the environment, but also damaging to your health.

Nanoparticles are products of a relatively new scientific development that allow scientists to manipulate and create materials at an atomic scale. These man-made particles are so recent, the FDA and other environmental organizations have not yet developed safety regulations and standards for nanoparticle use in products. Currently, manufacturers are not required to test the safety of the nanomaterials they use or even identify them on their products. According to FOE,”Once loose in nature, nanomaterials constitute a completely new class of manufactured non-biodegradable pollutants. A recent study demonstrated that some forms of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (popular ingredients in nano-sunscreens) are toxic to algae and water fleas, especially after exposure to UV light.”

The FOE adds, “while we still don’t have a very good understanding about what levels of nano exposure might be unsafe, available scientific studies have shown that nanoparticles used in sunscreens can cause severe damage to our DNA, disrupt the function of our cells, and even lead to cell death.”

Dozens of sunscreen manufacturers, such as Banana Boat or Coppertone, utilize nanoparticles in their products because it makes the sunscreen transparent when applied. But while this is cosmetically appealing, the risk may not be worth it in the long run. To be safe, sunbathers can switch to sunscreens which do not contain nanoparticles, such as those made by Bull Frog or Avalon. For more information about nanoparticles in sunscreens and a full sunscreen guide, go to http://www.foe.org/pdf/Nano_Sunscreens.pdf.