The ABC's revelations that some sunscreen brands are inaccurately promoting themselves as nanotechnology-free have prompted calls for better regulation of nano-materials. <\/p>\n
But the push for a mandatory register has suffered a blow, with a Federal Government report labelling it questionable. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Nanotechnology is the science of reducing the size of particles to just billionths of a metre. <\/p>\n
Nano-particles can be found in many products and materials such as sunscreen, cosmetics, food and clothing. <\/p>\n
The Federal Government recently released a study it commissioned to look at the feasibility of a mandatory nanotechnology product register. <\/p>\n
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.\" <\/p>\n
\"However the challenge presented by nanotechnology can be met through existing regulatory frameworks. <\/p>\n
\"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.\" <\/p>\n
But groups pushing for a register disagree. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Link: <\/p>\n
Government resists calls for nano-materials register<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 Continue reading