It might be making a guest appearance in multiple cosmetic products on New Zealand shelves, but nanoparticles are no longer going to be able to hide on the sideline with new rulings by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The EPA has stated cosmetic companies will need to list the nano-scale ingredients on its label and highlight the ingredient by placing nano” in brackets next to it. The labelling changes will come into effect in 2015, according to the NZ Herald.
There is still scientific uncertainty when it comes to the possible harm of nano materials, with only a handful found as potentially toxic.
There has been a mixed response to the announcement. Sustainability Council spokeswoman Stephanie Howard supported the EPA’s decision, saying the increase in products with nano ingredients has overtaken the regulation measures.
Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association head Garth Wyllie doesn’t believe nanomaterials present health and safety issues but is pleased with the decision for more transparency.
Johnson & Johnson spokeswoman Margaret Richards believes the new labelling requirements could hold off imports from the US due to some firms’ reluctance to change packaging.
