As European legislation requiring the labelling and safety testing of nano-ingredients in sunscreen and cosmetics comes into force, Friends of the Earth is calling for similar regulation in Australia to ensure consumer safety and choice. 

Scientists are only just beginning to understand the potential risks associated with releasing nanomaterials into the environment. These include potentially harmful effects on soil and water organisms. Despite growing evidence of potential harm, a new study suggests that globally hundreds of thousands of tonnes of nanomaterials are already being released into our soils, water and atmosphere.