title: Potential for inhalation exposure to engineered nanoparticles from nanotechnology-based cosmetic powders.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The market of nanotechnology-based consumer products is rapidly expanding, and the lack of scientific evidence describing the accompanying exposure and health risks stalls the discussion regarding its guidance and regulation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We investigated the potential for human contact and inhalation exposure to nanomaterials when using nanotechnology-based cosmetic powders and compare them with analogous products not marketed as nanotechnology based.
  
  
  METHODS
  We characterized the products using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and laser diffraction spectroscopy and found nanoparticles in five of six tested products. TEM photomicrographs showed highly agglomerated states of nanoparticles in the products. We realistically simulated the use of cosmetic powders by applying them to the face of a human mannequin head while simultaneously sampling the released airborne particles through the ports installed in the mannequin's nostrils.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that a user would be exposed to nanomaterial predominantly through nanoparticle-containing agglomerates larger than the 1-100-nm aerosol fraction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Predominant deposition of nanomaterial(s) will occur in the tracheobronchial and head airways--not in the alveolar region as would be expected based on the size of primary nanoparticles. This could potentially lead to different health effects than expected based on the current understanding of nanoparticle behavior and toxicology studies for the alveolar region.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA.
authors.forename: Yevgen
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nazarenko
authors.forename: Huajun
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zhen
authors.forename: Taewon
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Lioy
authors.forename: Gediminas
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mainelis
mesh_terms: D003358:Cosmetics / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007834:Lasers; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010316:Particle Size; D011208:Powders / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics; D011208:Powders