By Jimmy DownsSaturday March 23, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- Zinc oxide nanoparticles are used in products such as paint, coating and cosmetics and even certain foods and dietary supplements. Early studies have already shown that nanoparticles can enter cells and disrupt DNA potentially leading to mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. That is, nanoparticles may potentially cause cancer.The current study shows zinc oxide nanoparticles kill cells "through autophagic vacuole accumulation and mitochondria damage in normal skin cells via ROS induction."Researchers concluded "ZnO-np (zinc oxide nanoparticles) may cause toxicity and the results highlight and need for careful regulation of ZnO-np production and use."Kyeong-Nam Yua from Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University in Seoul, Republic of Korea and colleagues conducted the study, which was released in Toxicology in Vitro.