The study compared the perceived risk of nanoparticles with 23 other leading public-health risks and showed that respondents believe the risk to be relatively low.
In total 60 percent of the respondents, which comprised a panel of 307 individuals, felt that nanoparticles either posed no risk to the health, or else the risk was minimal.
“For example, 19 of the other public-health risks were perceived as more hazardous, including suntanning and drinking alcohol,” Said Dr. Andrew Binder, assistant professor at NC State University and co-author of the study report.
“The only things viewed as less risky were cell-phone use, blood transfusions, commercial air travel and medical X-rays,” Dr. Binder added.
Tanning and obesity higher up the risk ladder
Health-risks that scored higher among the panel included sun tanning, obesity, smoking and nuclear power were all considered to be a greater risk than nanotechnology applications, which as well as cosmetics, also include consumer goods such as textiles, household products and foods.
The study report, which has been published in the Journal of Nanoparticle Research, aims to dispel suggestions from opponents and proponents of nanotechnology, who claim the public is wary of potential environmental implications and safety risks.
“The findings suggest the opposite. While it remains unclear whether nanoparticles are safe, they are not a major concern among the general public,” said Dr. David Berube, professor of communications at NC State University and lead author of the report.
Nano cosmetics continue to proliferate
Nanotechnology has been heralded as a big boon for active ingredients incorporated into anti-aging and sun care products, however, a recent scientific study highlighted how it could also be incorporated into hair care coloring products of the future.
Last month CosmeticsDesign.com USA reported how scientists are looking into nano-sized colorants and substances that stimulate the genes to produce melanin pigment that colors hair.
The two scientists involved in the research, Robert Christie and Olivier Morel, note that hair dye already is a multibillion dollar international industry, poised for even greater expansion in the future due to the graying of a global population yearning to cling to a youthful appearance.