House products liver link probe

Scientists looked into the effects of tiny particles on the liver

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."