Background

At the last Standing Committee and Working Party on Cosmetic Products of the 26th of June, the Commission has presented legislative proposals for the nano forms of Carbon Black CI 77266, Titanium Oxide and Zinc Oxide based on the recent SCCS opinions. For these ingredients, the scientific conclusions clearly indicated that although these ingredients are considered safe for use, sprayable applications are of concern because of possible risks due to inhalation:
• Carbon Black: 'SCCS is of the opinion that the animal cancer data are relevant to humans and that the use of nano carbon black in sprayable applications is not recommended.'
• Titanium Dioxide: 'Therefore the SCCS does not recommend the use of nano TiO2 in sprayable applications.'
• Zinc oxide: 'the use of ZnO nanoparticles with the characteristics as indicated below, at a concentration up to 25% as a UV-filter in sunscreens, can be considered not to pose a risk of adverse effects in humans after dermal application. This does not apply to other applications that might lead to inhalation exposure to ZnO nanoparticles (such as sprayable products).'

Member States asked a clarification by the SCCS for the meaning of the term 'sprayable applications/products' in the conclusions …