Consumers are being asked to pressure the cosmetic and personal care sector to place a freeze on the sale of products made using nano-technology. The group, Friends of the Earth in a recent report highlighted what they see as potential harmful effects of nanoparticles to humans.

Friends of the Earth has laid down certain conditions that manufacturers of sunscreen should meet. One of these requirements is the provision of information to customers on whether or not nanoparticles were included in their sun protection products.

The Food and Drug Administration was also singled out by the group who accused them of ignoring the issue.

The report has sorted products under different color categories which are used to separate what they term “safe nano-free products” from others. Only nine products of 120 were given the green seal of approval.