International. Nanomaterials commonly used in sunscreens and ship paints are making sea urchin embryos more vulnerable to toxins, according to a University of California study. The authors said this could pose a risk to freshwater, coastal and marine environments.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, is the first to show that nanomaterials work as chemosensitizers. In cancer treatments, a chemosensitizer makes tumor cells more sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy.
Similarly, nanozinc and nanocobre made the development of sea urchin embryos more sensitive to other chemicals, blocking carriers from otherwise defending them by pumping toxins out of cells.
Nanozinc oxide is used as an additive in cosmetic products, such as sunscreens, toothpastes and beauty products. Nanocopper oxide is often used not only for electronics and technology, but also for antifouling coatings.
"At low levels, both nanomaterials are non-toxic," said co-author Gary Cherr, Professor and Interim Director of the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory, and affiliated with the University of California, Institute of Marine Coastal Sciences. "However, for sea urchins in sensitive life stages, they alter the main defense mechanism that otherwise protects them from environmental toxins."
