House products liver link probe

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The effect on the liver of tiny particles found in household goods

such as toothpaste and sunscreen is being studied by scientists.

The research by Edinburgh scientists, the first of its kind in the

UK, is to examine fears nanoparticles can cause damage to liver

cells.

 

Nanoparticles are thousands of times smaller than the width of a

human hair.

 

Previous experiments found particles present in exhaust fumes can

travel from the lungs into the blood.

 

We are looking at the new idea that the liver is a target for

nanoparticles and a lot more work needs to be done to assess the

levels and impact of nanoparticles reaching the liver

 

Professor Ken Donaldson

Edinburgh University

 

Hepatology expert Dr Celine Filippi of Edinburgh University said: " We

don't yet know if the nanoparticles are safely eliminated from the

liver by specialised cells or whether these extremely small particles

can enter the liver cells and disrupt their normal functioning.

 

" Our research will try to establish whether nanoparticles, which are

set to be used increasingly in industry and the manufacture of

household goods, can damage the cells of the liver. "

 

Dr Filippi said nanoparticles vary in their composition and are used

in many ways.

 

For example, they give sunscreen its ability to protect against the

sun's rays and are used to give white paint its colour.

 

Airborne nanoparticles, found in exhaust fumes, are already known to

enter the lungs and affect health.

 

Professor Ken Donaldson of the university's respiratory toxicology

department said: " We are looking at the new idea that the liver is a

target for nanoparticles and a lot more work needs to be done to

assess the levels and impact of nanoparticles reaching the liver. "