The Australia Institute warns there are no national mandatory labelling or safety tests required for products containing nanomaterials, despite research suggesting links to health symptoms similar to asbestos exposure. The report's author, University of Bergen nanotechnology researcher Fern Wickson, said there was ''extremely limited information'' available on exposure risks to nanotechnology manufacturing workers or consumers.

''Worryingly, early research has shown a similarity between the way the body responds to carbon nanotubes and asbestos. While there is still such a degree of uncertainty about potential risks, consumers are entitled to greater transparency about their exposure,'' she said. Recent scientific tests commissioned by Friends of the Earth Australia found nanoparticles in concealers and foundations sold by Clinique, Clarins, L'Oreal, Revlon, The Body Shop, Max Factor, Lancome Paris and By Terry.

Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide linked by some studies to possible DNA damage, brain degenerative diseases and skin cell toxicity were found in six products. Nanoparticles of iron and aluminium, linked by studies to potential nerve and neural damage, were present in seven of the cosmetics tested.

NSW Greens MP and health spokeswoman Lee Rhiannon said the test results showed big cosmetic companies were ''enthusiastically embracing the use of nanotechnology in their products, despite the significant potential health risks to the millions of women who use them on a daily basis.''

Europe has passed new laws requiring labelling and mandatory safety tests for nano-ingredients in sunscreens and cosmetics, but Australia remained ''a regulatory wasteland'', Ms Rhiannon said.

Dr Wickson, a researcher with a European Union project developing consumer protection laws for nanomaterials, has raised concerns about the potential for nanotubes to persist in the environment and accumulate in the food chain.