Many types of sunblock contain nano-particles; do they serve any particular purpose in blocking UVA/UVB radiation, and can they pose any danger on a cellular level?
Nanoscale particles (1 to 10 nm diameter) are small enough to interact with photons, reflecting and refracting them (so, glass with suspended gold nanoparticles in it appears vivid red, a fact known to the ancient Egyptians). So it seems likely that certain nanoparticles could act effectively to absorb or reflect UV radiation. Although such particles should not penetrate intact skin, this is something that we do not know completely, and work to find out is ongoing. So far, no reliable evidence suggests that the sun blockers are harmful.
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