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英ソイル・アソシエーション プレスリリース 2008年1月17日
ソイル・アソシエーション ナノ粒子を禁止する世界初の組織に 皮膚の下に直接達する潜在的に有毒な化粧品 情報源：Soil Association Press Release 2008/01/17 Soil Association first organisation in the world to ban nanoparticles - potentially toxic beauty products that get right under your skin http://www.soilassociation.org/web/sa/saweb.nsf/ 89d058cc4dbeb16d80256a73005a2866/42308d944a3088a6802573d100351790!OpenDocument 訳：安間 武 （化学物質問題市民研究会） http://www.ne.jp/asahi/kagaku/pico/ 掲載日：2007年2月12日 このページへのリンク http://www.ne.jp/asahi/kagaku/pico/nano/soil_association/080117_Soil_Association_Nano.html 2008年1月、ソイル・アソシエーション（訳注：イギリスの主導的な有機製品認定団体）は、ソイル・アソシエーションが認定する全ての有機製品において人工ナノ物質の使用を禁じた[1] 。これは特に健康商品や美容製品（化粧品）に適用するが、食品や布製品にも適用する。イギリス政府よりも先行して[2]、我々は、人の健康深刻な新たな脅威を及ぼす有害で潜在的に有毒なこの技術に対し行動をとる世界で初の組織である。 ソイル・アソシエーションはナノ技術から便益が得られるかもしれないことを認めるが。その技術は急速にそして明確に医学（例えば、特定の細胞を標的とするドラッグ・デリバリー）や燃料や太陽発電のような再生可能エネルギーを含む多くの産業分野を変える可能性がある。世界中で年間90億ドル（約1兆円）がナノ技術に投資されているが、その多くは化粧品や健康商品に注がれている。ロレアル、ユニリーバ、ブーツ・ランコムのようなよく知られた会社は既に、これらの超微粒子を製品に導入しているが、これらの製品はどれも消費者に警告するラベル表示をすることが求められていない [3]。 これらの物質が生体組織にどのように影響を与えるのかについて科学的にはほとんど解明されていないが、実際、初期の研究は有害影響を示している。3年前、科学者らはイギリス政府に対し、ナノ粒子の放出は”可能な限り回避すべきである”と勧告した。政府はそのリスクを認めたが、規制を課すための措置は何も取られていない。予防的アプローチと有機原則（organic principles）に基づいて、ソイル・アソシエーション様準委員会は我々の有機標準の下で人工ナノ粒子を成分とすることを禁じた。我々は、公衆の安全を守るためにナノ粒子の使用に反対して規制措置をとる世界で最初の組織である。この取り組みは人の健康を保護する有機運動の価値の核心に迫るものである。 ソイル・アソシエーションの政策マネージャであるグンデュラ・アジーズは次のように述べている。 ”ソイル・アソシエーションはナノ粒子を禁止した世界で初の組織である。健康と美容製品や食品にナノ粒子が存在する余地はない。我々はイギリス政府が科学的勧告とナノ製品の規制をしないことに深い懸念を持っている。全ての健康影響についての科学的研究調査を実施する適切な機関ができるまでナノ物質の商業的放出を速やかに凍結すべきである。我々が遺伝子組み換え（GM）で見たように、政府はリスクの初期の所見を無視しており、人の健康保護より商業権益に便宜を与えている[4]。” ウルスター大学のナノG術研究者ビビアン・ホワード教授は次のように述べている。 ”ナノ技術という言葉は広範な適用範囲を持つ。その多くは、自己洗浄ガラスのナノ構造表面のように、脅威を与えるものではない。しかし、健康、美容、食品の分野では、もっと多くの研究長鎖がなされなくてはならない。ナノ粒子が有毒で潜在的に危険であることを示す多くの証拠がある。” 以上 更なる情報については下記連絡いただきたい。 Soil Association press office: 0117 914 2448 / press@soilassociation.org Gundula Azeez, Soil Association policy manager: 0117 987 4560 / 07835 260 134 Professor Vyvyan C Howard, nanotech researcher at the University of Ulster: 0151 794 7833 Jim Thomas, nanotech policy researcher at ETC, an international technology watchdog: 07876 122 266 / jim@etcgroup.org 記者への備考： [1] This new standard bans man-made nanomaterials whose basic particle size is less than 125nm and whose mean particle size is less than 200nm. Nanotechnology Nanotechnology is concerned with the manipulation of matter on the atomic and molecular scale to produce new materials. A nanometre (nm) is a millionth of a millimetre (one 80,000th of the width of a human hair) and a nanoparticle is generally defined as particles of chemicals that are within the range 0.2-100nm. Nanotechnology can be applied to electronics, food, agriculture, medicines, cosmetics, textiles, energy generation and packaging as well as many other things. Examples of nanotechnology in commercial use include electrical circuits, transparent sun creams, targeted drug delivery, stain resistant clothing and self cleaning glass. When the particle size of a chemical is so tiny, its properties change and chemicals exhibit novel 'quantum' effects, presenting possible new dangers such as unidentified toxicity or changed electrical properties. The tiny size also means that nanoparticles have abnormally high levels of solubility and mobility and can pass through the body's membranes - such as the membranes of our skin, lungs, intestines, the blood/brain barrier and the placenta. The fact that nanoparticles can reach all parts of our body means they may accumulate or override the normal control systems that manage our complex biochemistry, with unidentified health effects. The Soil Association's concerns are related to man-made nanoparticles; we are not objecting to natural nanoparticles such as soot produced by volcanoes (life has evolved with these). It is also important to distinguish between natural processes that occur on the nano-scale (i.e. they involve the interaction of molecules), such as cell division, and artificial ones that are used to produce new materials. [2] The Government’s response so far? In an attempt to avoid the controversies that arose around GM, the UK Government commissioned a report by the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering. The 2004 report 'Nanosciences and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties' was widely welcomed and addressed the most important regulatory needs to protect the public. It recommended that the release of nanoparticles should be "avoided as far as possible", labelling of consumer products, and that research be conducted into the toxicity and bio-accumulation of nanoparticles and nanotubes. See: http://www.nanotec.org.uk/report/chapter10.pdf In February 2005, the UK government responded to the report, agreeing with its conclusions. It said: "As a precautionary measure...releases to the environment should be minimised until the possible risks...are better understood." It also said "The government accepts that chemicals in the form of nanoparticles or nanotubes can exhibit different properties...Safety testing on the basis of a larger form of a chemical cannot be used to infer the safety of the nanoparticulate form...Ingredients in the form of manufactured free nanoparticles should undergo a thorough safety assessment...before they are used in consumer products. The government believes in the consumer being able to make informed choices." See: http://www.ost.gov.uk/policy/issues/nanotech_final.pdf However, three years later, no regulations have been adopted. A voluntary industry labelling scheme is being developed - the Soil Association is on the working group - but some of the major companies that are developing consumer products with nanomaterials are believed to be reluctant to support labelling proposals (such as L'Oreal). [3] Nanomaterials: Undersized, unregulated and already here, Corporate Watch (2007) http://www.corporatewatch.org.uk/?lid=2147 Consumers unaware of nano-revolution, Which? press release (20 Dec 2007) http://www.which.co.uk/press/press_topics/campaign_news/ other_issues/nantechnology_201207_571_128032.jsp Nanomaterials are also being used in: L'Oreal 'Plenitude Revitalift' anti-wrinkle cream, Lancome's Renergie Lift, Almay's Clear Complexion Concealer, various Neutrogena cosmetics by Johnson and Johnson, Olay's All Day Complete Care cream with UV protection and Revlon's ColourStay range. Nanotechnology is widely used in sunscreens, including the popular Boots Soltan range. Titanium dioxide is used as a white pigment in a range of products such as paint and food colouring. It is also used in sunscreens for its ability to scatter UV light, where it is seen as a 'non-toxic mineral' alternative to chemically acting sun creams. However, research has shown that nano-sized titanium dioxide - which makes the sunscreen transparent and therefore more marketable - "might be toxic to various types of cell", can enter the brain and may trigger cell death. Additionally, US Government research has found that nano-size titanium dioxide particles cause 'oxidative stress' in the brain cells of mice which may promote neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's (Nature, 16 June 2006). A European scientific committee considered the safety of using particle coatings for titanium dioxide, in collaboration with the industry, and afterwards pronounced the commercial use of all types of titanium dioxide safe. However, the committee did not consider the safety of exposure to nano-sized particles and serious concerns remain. [4] Is nanotechnology like GM? There are many parallels with GM in the way nanotechnology is developing. As with GM: Commercial opportunities have run ahead of scientific understanding and regulatory control. The risks of nanotechnology are still largely unknown, untested and unpredictable. The industry is trying to win over Government backing with compelling claims about the benefits of the technology and win over consumers by promoting individual products, whilst neglecting the fundamental issues of safety. Initial studies show some negative effects and there is a list of potential health impacts that have yet to be investigated by scientists. Regulators have not reacted to the scientific evidence of health effects for products that are already commercialised (titanium dioxide nanoparticles), instead accepting industry reassurances and unpublished industry evidence. The standard of proof is being set very high for any concerns, but low for reasons to dismiss concerns and without the context of a body of established scientific knowledge to judge conflicting arguments. Concerns are being downplayed on the basis of absence of any consensus over health problems and with arguments that some nanoparticles occur in nature or have been produced by industry for some time (true, but not on the scale and with the chemical range being developed now; anyway health concerns exist for some of these such as air pollution). What is worse than GM is that there is no official assessment process or labelling of the products, and nano-substances are being rapidly introduced to the market. This is a very bad starting point for the responsible introduction of a powerful new technology. DIFFERENT TYPES OF NANOMATERIAL Nanoparticles Small particles of chemicals where at least one dimension is less than 100 nm. Nanoparticles can be made from a wide range of materials. These include single elements such as iron, silver and carbon; simple molecules such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (both used in sun creams); through to complex molecules such as pharmaceuticals. A number of different methods are used to make nanoparticles, including high temperature processes, chemical reactions and attrition (milling or grinding). Nanocapsules L'Oreal, Johnson & Johnson and Estee Lauder use nanocapsules in some of their products to deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin. They are also called ‘nanosomes’ or nanoscale liposomes. Nanocapsules are small droplets of liquid, often slightly bigger than nanoscale, enclosed in a nano-thick shell. They are essentially a delivery mechanism designed to get an active ingredient to a specific location, releasing their contents only under certain conditions. Currently they are used in cosmetics to deliver active chemicals deeper into the skin and some nutrient supplements for enhanced absorption. They are also being developed for use in some foods (such as a low fat mayonnaise where the suspended oil droplets are only made of a thin shell of oil, rather then entire droplets of oil) and pharmaceuticals. Nanoemulsions These are suspensions of nanosized droplets of one liquid (such as an oil) in another liquid (such as water). They have an extremely high surface tension, and when in contact with single celled organisms such as bacteria or fungal spores, they rupture the cells, killing the organisms. They are toxic to microbes at levels that are not irritating to the skin. While this may have a use in medicine, future uses may include consumer products such as detergents and shampoos. The Soil Association's concern is that environmental sterility in domestic situations - such as a depleted bacterial population on the skin or on household surfaces - is not a healthy objective. There is scientific evidence that exposure to normal levels of benign environmental bacteria is important, particularly for children, for the development of a healthy immune system and to avoid the development of allergies and other immune disorders that are of increasing prevalence due to excessive hygiene in many modern households. (New Scientist, 16 April 2005) Carbon 'bucky balls' These are molecules composed of 60 atoms of carbon, arranged into a football-shaped hollow sphere. The full technical name is Buckminster fullerene molecules. They are already being used in some very expensive face creams. For example, the London-based company Zelens uses buckyballs in their day and night cream. It claims that they scavenge 'free radicals' and thus protect against aging. But there are disputed reports of toxic effects. ("Nanocosmetics: Buyer Beware. Is that expensive jar of skin cream on my dresser safe to use?", Technology Review, March/April 2007). Nanotubes 'Nanotubes' are tubular structures commonly made of carbon. They are 1 to 2 nm in diameter. At their simplest, nanotubes are a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a cylinder (single-wall carbon nanotubes). Carbon nanotubes have a number of interesting properties. They are very strong (100 times stronger than steel), very light (one sixth the weight of steel) and they have unique electrical properties (10 times more conductive than copper). A wide range of applications are being developed including additives to plastics and other composites (to increase strength and conductivity), flat panel displays and energy storage (batteries and fuel cells). Useful references: - UK Government: 'Response To The Royal Society And Royal Academy of Engineering Report: ‘Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties', Feb 2005. http://www.ost.gov.uk/policy/issues/introduction.htm - Insurance Industry, Nanotechnology: Small matter, many unknowns, Swiss Re, 2004. http://www.swissre.com - European Parliament: 'Nanotechnology and Regulation within the framework of the Precautionary Principle. Final Report for ITRE Committee of the European Parliament'. Haum, Petschow, Steinfeldt, Institut fur okologische Wirstschaftforschung (IOW) gGmbH, Berlin, 11 Feb 2004. - European Commission : 'Nanotechnologies: A Preliminary Risk Analysis on the Basis of a Workshop Organized in Brussels on 1-2 March 2004 by the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General of the European Commission', May 2004. http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_risk/events_risk_en.htm - Scientific Review: Nanoparticles - known and unknown health risks Peter HM Hoet, Irene Bruske-Hohlfeld, Oleg V Salata Journal of Nanobiotechnology 2004, 2:12, 8 Dec 2004. - Civil Society Groups:'Size Matters: the Case for a Global Moratorium', April 2003. Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration (ETC Group). http://www.etcgroup.org |