Out of 23 everyday products tested, 20 contain unlabeled nanoparticles, sometimes even prohibited. This is the conclusion of the study of the Avicenn association, made public on Thursday. These nanos, microscopic substances – one nanometer equals one billionth of a meter – are present everywhere and are regulated. But, problem, some are potentially dangerous for health (inflammation, allergies, risk of cancer, etc.).
However, “our tests attest to the fiasco of the labeling of nanoparticles: without knowing it, we are all exposed, throughout the day and our existence, to a high number and variety of worrying nanos – and sometimes not authorised”, comments Mathilde Detcheverry, general delegate of the association which carries out a lot of monitoring and information work on nanos.
Products for children, for the elderly, etc.
Among the products tested containing these irregularities, we find products for children – Guigoz infant milk, Snazaroo festive make-up, Signal Kids toothbrush – or products used by seniors – anticoagulant medicine, L’Oréal spray to cover white hair – but also products found in many shopping carts: cosmetics (L’Oréal, Nivea, Labello), Herta pie dough, Aosta ham, Solgar vitamin C, Royal Canin dog food, Nana period panties, Uniqlo men’s underpants , etc.
According to a statement from the association, some brands requested by Avicenn refused to respond to the issues raised, others contested the analysis results. Others have already indicated that they have launched surveys internally and with their suppliers. Among them, Aosta and Nana.
Avicenn also sent an open letter to the public authorities, mainly asking for the generalization of the obligation to label nanos and the intensification of controls and sanctions in the event of non-compliance with legal obligations. “The risk is great indeed that many nanos come out of the radar of public authorities”, concludes the organization.