Many Common Household Products Contain DNA-Damaging Nanoparticles: Study

Image Caption: A DNA strand damaged by toxic nanoparticles. Credit: Illustration by Christine Daniloff/MIT

redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports Your Universe Online

Some nanoparticles commonly added to thousands of consumer products can significantly damage DNA, according to a new study by researchers at MIT and the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH).

These products, which include cosmetics, sunscreens, clothing and other common items, contain nanoparticles added by manufacturers to, among other things, improve texture, kill microbes, or enhance shelf life.

But the current study suggests these tiny particles can be toxic to cells.

For instance, the researchers found that zinc oxide nanoparticles, often used in sunscreen to block ultraviolet rays, significantly damages DNA. Nanoscale silver, which has been added to toys, toothpaste, clothing, and other products for its antimicrobial properties, also produces extensive DNA damage.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require manufacturers to test nanoscale additives for a given material if the bulk material has already been shown to be safe. However, there is evidence that the nanoparticle form of some of these materials may not be safe due to their extremely small size and differences in physical, chemical, and biological properties. They can also penetrate cells more easily.

The problem is that if a nanoparticle is made out of something thats deemed a safe material, its typically considered safe. There are people out there who are concerned, but its a tough battle because once these things go into production, its very hard to undo, said Bevin Engelward, professor of biological engineering at MIT and lead researcher of the current study.

Engleward and associate professor Philip Demokritou, director of HSPHs Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, used a high-speed screening technology to analyze the DNA damage caused by nanoparticles, allowing them to study the potential hazards at a much faster rate and larger scale than previously possible.

The researchers focused on five types of engineered nanoparticles silver, zinc oxide, iron oxide, cerium oxide, and silicon dioxide (also known as amorphous silica) that are used industrially. Some of these nanomaterials can produce free radicals called reactive oxygen species, which can alter DNA. Furthermore, once these particles get into the body, they may accumulate in tissues, causing even more damage.

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Many Common Household Products Contain DNA-Damaging Nanoparticles: Study