The ABC's revelations that some sunscreen brands are inaccurately promoting themselves as nanotechnology-free have prompted calls for better regulation of nano-materials.

But the push for a mandatory register has suffered a blow, with a Federal Government report labelling it questionable.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is among those calling for a register, saying the potential risks posed by nano-particles are still unknown.

Nanotechnology is the science of reducing the size of particles to just billionths of a metre.

Nano-particles can be found in many products and materials such as sunscreen, cosmetics, food and clothing.

The Federal Government recently released a study it commissioned to look at the feasibility of a mandatory nanotechnology product register.

The study concluded: "It is clear that some nano-materials behave differently to bulk-form materials and there are associated health, safety and environmental risks."

"However the challenge presented by nanotechnology can be met through existing regulatory frameworks.

"It is therefore difficult to see a nano-products register delivering a net benefit to the community. The feasibility of a nano-product registry is questionable."

But groups pushing for a register disagree.

Link:

Government resists calls for nano-materials register