Nanoparticles used in common household items caused genetic damage in mice

Kim Irwin
University of California - Los Angeles
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:27 EST

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, found in everything from cosmetics to sunscreen to paint to vitamins, caused systemic genetic damage in mice, according to a comprehensive study conducted by researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The TiO2 nanoparticles induced single- and double-strand DNA breaks and also caused chromosomal damage as well as inflammation, all of which increase the risk for cancer. The UCLA study is the first to show that the nanoparticles had such an effect, said Robert Schiestl, a professor of pathology, radiation oncology and environmental health sciences, a Jonsson Cancer Center scientist and the study's senior author.

Once in the system, the TiO2 nanoparticles accumulate in different organs because the body has no way to eliminate them. And because they are so small, they can go everywhere in the body, even through cells, and may interfere with sub-cellular mechanisms.

The study appears this week in the journal Cancer Research.

In the past, these TiO2 nanoparticles have been considered non-toxic in that they do not incite a chemical reaction. Instead, it is surface interactions that the nanoparticles have within their environment- in this case inside a mouse - that is causing the genetic damage, Schiestl said. They wander throughout the body causing oxidative stress, which can lead to cell death.

It is a novel mechanism of toxicity, a physicochemical reaction, these particles cause in comparison to regular chemical toxins, which are the usual subjects of toxicological research, Schiestl said.

"The novel principle is that titanium by itself is chemically inert. However, when the particles become progressively smaller, their surface, in turn, becomes progressively bigger and in the interaction of this surface with the environment oxidative stress is induced," he said. "This is the first comprehensive study of titanium dioxide nanoparticle-induced genotoxicity, possibly caused by a secondary mechanism associated with inflammation and/or oxidative stress. Given the growing use of these nanoparticles, these findings raise concern about potential health hazards associated with exposure."

The manufacture of TiO2 nanoparticles is a huge industry, Schiestl said, with production at about two million tons per year. In addition to paint, cosmetics, sunscreen and vitamins, the nanoparticles can be found in toothpaste, food colorants, nutritional supplements and hundreds of other personal care products.

"It could be that a certain portion of spontaneous cancers are due to this exposure," Schiestl said. "And some people could be more sensitive to nanoparticles exposure than others. "I believe the toxicity of these nanoparticles has not been studied enough."

Schiestl said the nanoparticles cannot go through skin, so he recommends using a lotion sunscreen. Spray-on sunscreens could potentially be inhaled and the nanoparticles can become lodged in the lungs.

The mice were exposed to the TiO2 nanoparticles in their drinking water and began showing genetic damage on the fifth day. The human equivalent is about 1.6 years of exposure to the nanoparticles in a manufacturing environment. However, Schiestl said, it's not clear if regular, everyday exposure in humans increases exponentially as continued contact with the nanoparticles occurs over time.

"These data suggest that we should be concerned about a potential risk of cancer or genetic disorders especially for people occupationally exposed to high concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and that it might be prudent to limit their ingestion through non-essential drug additives, food colors, etc.," the study states.

Next, Schiestl and his team will study exposure to the nanoparticles in mice that are deficient in DNA repair, to perhaps help find a way to predict which people might be particularly sensitive to them.

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fair use http://www.sott.net/articles/show/1...household-items-caused-genetic-damage-in-mice

The manufacture of TiO2 nanoparticles is a huge industry, Schiestl said, with production at about two million tons per year. In addition to paint, cosmetics, sunscreen and vitamins, the nanoparticles can be found in toothpaste, food colorants, nutritional supplements and hundreds of other personal care products.

Click to expand...

Why???.... why would they put Titanium dioxide nanoparticles into something that will be ingested....

Now I'm suspiciously eying my vitamin D3 and thinking about all the food coloring that we ingest on a daily bases

WOW

Wow... thanks for posting this. Am just starting to look into it...

Here is some info from a testing lab:

MELISA CAN HELP YOU FEEL BETTER


Chronic exposure to metals in jewelry, dental and surgical implants, cosmetics or even coins can lead to significant health problems in individuals who are sensitive or predisposed to allergies. These allergic symptoms can be of varying severity depending on previous exposure and family history of allergies. The Melisa test is an easily administered but extremely advanced blood test which can identify those individuals who could develop or already have metal allergies. The test can also tell the patient which metals the body does tolerate, and which ones it does not. This is particularly helpful when choosing an implant, such as a hip joint or surgical plates and screws, pacemakers, stents and dental implants or bridges. This is because implants come in many varieties, and can contain many different metals. Knowing which metals you are allergic or sensitive to will help you avoid these, and choose an implant made of metals that are safe for you.


SYMPTOMS OF METAL ALLERGY

Metal allergy can be difficult to diagnose because is can develop slowly over the course of several years or very rapidly, such as within a month or two of receiving an implant that you are allergic to. Some metals carry a very low risk of allergy, and they are called hypo-allergenic metals. Titanium is one such metal. Very few people are allergic to pure titanium, but titanium allergy does exist. Nickel on the other hand is very allergenic and nickel allergy has been recognized for many years.

Symptoms of metal allergy vary from individual to individual, but some of the most common are: fatigue, joint pain and swelling, brain fog (impaired memory, especially short term), head aches, sinusitis, rejections of implants, systemic inflammation, contact dermatitis (rashes and eczema), hives, sensitivity to other chemicals and some foods. Metal allergies often co-exist with dairy and gluten intolerance. Reactions can be local (such as a rash or pain at the site of the implant) or systemic, that is localized anywhere in the body. Metal allergy has also been implicated in diseases like MS (multiple sclerosis), autism, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's dementia and chronic fatigue.

^^ https://melisadiagnostics.com/ti/melisa-usa/

vv https://melisadiagnostics.com/ti/melisa-usa/showcontent.html?content=Ti&id=InYkn65N

TITANIUM
Titanium allergy is barely recognized in mainstream medicine (see our references at t he bottom of this page) - yet laboratories using the MELISA® technology have reported that as many as one in ten people can be affected by it. For those affected with titanium allergy, the symptoms can be multiple and bewildering. These can range from simple skin rashes to muscle pain and fatigue.

From foodstuff to medicine, titanium is now an everyday metal. Several brands of candy, such as Skittles and M&M, have titanium dioxide in the coating - often described by its E-number: E171. Some brands of toothpaste contain titanium particles. Hospitals use titanium implants to rebuild bones after accidents.

More than just a rash: the effects of titanium allergy

Like all metals, titanium releases particles through normal corrosion. These metals become ions in the body and then bind to body proteins. For those who react, the body will try to attack this structure. This starts a chain reaction which can lead to many symptoms including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or, in the most severe cases, Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The MELISA® test is the only scientifically-proven test which can diagnose titanium allergy and measure its severity.

Those who test positive should avoid exposure or remove the titanium from their body to stop the internal reaction. This can be simple, like changing brand of toothpaste. Or it can be more complex, such as replacing titanium implants.

Titanium: where to find it

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely used in consumer products, as it is non-toxic - even though it triggers allergies in certain people. It is known as a "pearling agent" as it makes paper and paint glossy and white. Always check the content of food stuff, pills and cosmetics for titanium dioxide. It is found in the following:
Body implants, such as Brånemark (for teeth) or to rebuild bones.
Dentistry: as a colour pigment in composites
Sunscreen agents: Finely ground titanium dioxide will block the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Confectionery: Used to make candy look brighter and adding a crunchy coat to for example chewing gum.
Cosmetics: Used to brighten and intensify the colour of make-up. It is regularly found in shadow, blush, nail polish, lotions, lipstick and powder.
Toothpaste: Used as a pigment agent to make the toothpaste whiter.
Paint: TiO2 will improve the durability of coatings and gives white colour.
Plastic carrier bags: Improves durability and gives white colour.
Medical pills and vitamin supplements may also get their white coating from titanium dioxide.
Piercing & Jewelry: For example watches and all types of body piercing. Less people are allergic to titanium than for example to nickel.
Do you suspect you have titanium allergy?

Take a MELISA® test for titanium allergy through one of our worldwide MELISA® clinics, or email Prof. Vera Stejskal at the MELISA® Medica Foundation in Stockholm. Or you can fill in an e-diagnosis on this website, to see whether you are showing the typical symptoms of metal allergy. If you are planning to get a titanium implant it is advised to find out the exact composition of the implant. Vanadium, aluminum and other metals are sometimes added to .................... (see link)

~~~~~~

FDA has a list of drugs/meds/Rx w/ TiO2
##################

vv http://www.made-in-china.com/showro...hina-Anatase-Titanium-Dioxide-Food-Grade.html

Info on food grade..... made in.....where else? ..... CHINA. of course.
Product Description
Product: Titanium Dioxide
Specification Food Grade High Dispersivity
Index TiO2 Min 98.5 %
Heavy Metal contents Plumbum (as Pb) Max 20 mg/kg
Arsenic (as As) Max 8 mg/kg
Barium (as Ba) Max 5 mg/kg
Mercury (as Hg) Max 1 mg/kg
Antimony (as Sb) Max 50mg/kg
Moisture Max 0.5 %
Water soluble substances Max 0.5 %
Acid soluble substances Max 0.5 %
PH 6.5-7.5
Dispersivity 98 %

Usage Food additives titanium dioxide (white pigment) Instructions for use: Nonpoisonous, tasteless, white powder, brightening food and shielding ultraviolet ray. Mainly used in brightening sweetcoating, sugarcoating of pill, candied fruit, non-carbonic acid beverage, chewing gum, solid beverage, concentrated beverage, capsule, aquatic product, etc. Storage method: In cool and dry place, avoiding sunshine.

Package In paper bags within plastic film linings. 25kgs(n. W. ) each bag.

Misc info:
The FDA seized 22.9 million dollars worth of drugs from Caraco when they shut them down. Caraco is based in Detroit, MI. Caraco has a long list of drugs that were recalled.

Caraco Pharmacutical Laboratories also sold drugs to the Veteran's Adminsitration health system. They were sometimes repackaged for the Vets so you have to double check the NDC number to make sure you get the right manufacturer. Caraco is 72% owned by Sun Pharmaceutical company that is based in India. Sun also supplies most or all of Caraco's chemical ingrediants that go into their drugs

^^^^ http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Allergy/alergic-symptoms-titanium-dioxide/show/1009713


vvvvvv http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm169093.htm
FDA NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: June 25, 2009

Media Inquiries: Christopher Kelly, 301-796-4676, christopher.kelly@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

U.S. Marshals Seize Drug Products Manufactured by Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd.
FDA acts to prevent repeated drug quality problems
U.S. Marshals, at the request of the Food and Drug Administration, today seized drug products manufactured by Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd. (Caraco), at the company’s Michigan facilities in Detroit, Farmington Hills, and Wixom. The seizure also includes ingredients held at these same facilities. “The FDA is committed to taking enforcement action against firms that do not manufacture drugs in accordance with our good manufacturing practice requirements,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Compliance with these standards prevents harm to the public.”

This action follows Caraco’s continued failure to meet the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements, which assure the quality of manufactured drugs. Through this seizure, the FDA seeks to immediately stop the firm from further distributing drugs until there is assurance that the firm complies with good manufacturing requirements.

Since January 2009, Caraco has initiated voluntary recalls of drug products to protect the public from potentially defective medications. The recalls involved manufacturing defects, including oversized tablets and possible formulation error.

The FDA has determined that the seizure of Caraco's drugs may create a shortage of one product, choline magnesium trisalicylate oral tablets, which are commonly used as pain relievers. The FDA recommends in the event of a shortage, that health care providers consider alternative treatments that are safe and effective. Consumers and health care providers who are unable to obtain any of Caraco’s products should contact the FDA Drug Shortage Program by e-mail at drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov, or by telephone at 888-463-6332 or 301-796-3400.

The FDA’s most recent inspection of Caraco, completed in May 2009, found unresolved violations of cGMP requirements. Today’s seizure is intended to lead to major changes at Caraco’s facilities.

If the FDA identifies further significant problems, which pose risks to patient safety with any Caraco drug products on the market, the agency will take appropriate additional regulatory action and immediately notify the public.

"The FDA will continue to take swift, aggressive enforcement action when firms are identified as being in violation of our manufacturing requirements," said Michael Chappell, FDA acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs.

Seizure of drug products is an effective remedy when there is evidence of continued poor compliance with cGMPs. Following a drug product seizure, companies often agree to a wide range of changes and improvements to their drug manufacturing practices at their facilities.

To view Questions and Answers on Caraco Drugs, Including a List of Effected Drugs:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm169095.htm

To view Facts About Current Good Manufacturing Practices:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/Manufacturing/ucm169105.htm

To view the October 31, 2008 FDA Warning Letter to Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd:
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2008/ucm1048080.htm

Why???.... why would they put Titanium dioxide nanoparticles into something that will be ingested...

Click to expand...

Why mscoffee, for the same reason they put fluoride in toothpaste, mercury in vaccinations, nutrasweet in 'diet' foods, soy in baby formula, etc.

I have titanium hooks and eyes in both shoulders, many, many of them, and I've had health issues ever since, which I attributed to a severe worsening of my hypothyroid. Hmmm....

Health & Wellness

Food Industry 'Too Secretive' Over Nanotechnology

Pallab Ghosh
BBC News
Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:43 EST

Nanotechnology is appearing in an ever-wider range of products

The food industry has been criticized for being secretive about its use of nanotechnology by the UK's House of Lords Science and Technology Committee.

Lord Krebs, chairman of the inquiry, said the industry "wants to keep a low profile" to avoid controversy.

While there were no clear dangers, he said, there were "gaps in knowledge".

In its report Nanotechnologies and Food, the committee suggests a public register of foods or packaging that make use of nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is the use of very small particles - measured in the billionths of a meter. At these sizes, particles have novel properties and there is active investigation into how those properties arise.

While nanotechnology is already widely employed - in applications ranging from odor-free socks to novel cancer therapeutic methods - they have long been regarded as a subject requiring further study to ensure their safety.

In the food sector, nanotechnology can be employed to enhance flavor and even to make processed foods healthier by reducing the amount of fat and salt needed in production.

Open standards

Peers said in the report that they found it "regrettable that the food industry was refusing to talk about its work in the area".

They added that it was exactly this behavior that could prompt public backlash against the use of a technology that could bring many benefits to the public.

Lord Krebs said that the industry was "very reluctant to put its head above the parapet and be open about research on nanotechnology".

"They got their fingers burnt over the use of GM crops and so they want to keep a low profile on this issue. We believe that they should adopt exactly the opposite approach. If you want to build confidence you should be open rather than secretive."

As part of this process, the committee recommends that the Food Standards Agency should have a publicly available register listing food and packaging that use nano-materials.

Julian Hunt, director of communications for the Food and Drink Federation, said he was "surprised" by the criticism.

"Understandably, there are many questions and unknowns about the potential future uses of nanotechnologies in our sector, and there is much work still to be done, by scientists, governments and regulators, as well as the food and drink industry," Mr Hunt said.

Safety concerns have also been raised about nanomaterials in cosmetics

"We support the report's recommendation for the formation of an open discussion group to bring more transparency that we know is important to consumers, and indeed we are already engaged in such initiatives, both at UK and EU level."

The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, run by the Washington-based Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, has found that there are currently 84 foods or food-related products that use nanotechnology.

The Food and Drink Federation says that none are currently manufactured in the UK.

'No clear danger'

However, Lord Krebs says he and his colleagues are concerned that because of industry secrecy, it is hard to really know the true extent of the use of nanotechnology in food.

"We are not clear what is out there in use at the moment," he said.

The report says that there is likely to be an "explosive growth" in the use of the technology.

Currently the market is valued at $410m (£260m), but the report estimates it will increase more than ten-fold in the next two years.

The report also says insufficient research has been carried out into the safety of the use of nanotechnology in foods. It urges the government to commission more research on the behavior of nanomaterials, particularly in the gut.

"There is currently no clear and present danger from nanotechnology," according to Lord Krebs.

"But there are significant gaps in our knowledge for regulators to adequately assess the risk of nanomaterials in food."

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fair use http://www.sott.net/articles/show/200916-Food-Industry-Too-Secretive-Over-Nanotechnology