Consumer protection

There are several ways consumer protection needs to be improved.

Labelling

Current rules don’t require manufacturers to state whether a product contains nanomaterials. This needs to change. We want to see mandatory labelling of all products containing these materials, so consumers can make a choice about whether they want to buy them.

Reporting

Companies should also be required to report their use of nanomaterials. Regulations already require companies to notify the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) if they intend to import or manufacture cosmetics containing nanoparticles. ERMA says it hasn’t received any notifications. However, we’ve found cosmetics containing nanoparticles in stores (see "Anti-ageing creams"). Better enforcement is clearly needed.

Safety

Consumer safety must be a priority. Safety assessments should be mandatory for all manufactured nanoparticles in consumer products. There are some big questions to be answered about the safety of nanotechnologies – and until they’re answered positively we think the government should take a precautionary approach to the use of these materials.

Our view

• Nanotechnology has potential benefits. But lack of understanding about the health and environmental impacts of some nanoparticles presents significant risks. We think regulatory agencies should take a more precautionary approach.
• Consumer protection needs to be improved. Legislation must provide adequate safeguards to ensure consumers are not put at unnecessary risk. At a minimum, products containing nanoparticles need to be labelled.

More information

• About nanotechnology: www.nanotechproject.org
• Friends of the Earth Safe Sunscreen Guide: www.nano.foe.org.au
• FSANZ factsheet: www.foodstandards.gov.au

Report by Jessica Wilson.