title: Potential photocarcinogenic effects of nanoparticle sunscreens.
abstract: Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles are being increasingly formulated in sunscreens. While the same compounds, in larger particle form, work by reflecting UV radiation, in nanoparticle form, they absorb UV radiation, resulting in photocatalysis, releasing reactive oxygen species. These reactive oxygen species are known to have the capability to alter DNA. Previous studies suggest that this photocatalytic process may not be significant, because the nanoparticles do not penetrate below the level of the stratum corneum. However, some recent studies suggest that nanoparticles may, under certain circumstances, breach that barrier. The majority of those studies have used animal skin models rather than human skin.
authors.affiliation: Illawarra Dermatology and Laser Clinic, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. drdtt@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Dai T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Tran
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Salmon
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D014025:Titanium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium; D015034:Zinc Oxide