In 2008, it was revealed that nanoparticles of anatase titanium dioxide in sunscreen were reacting with sunlight to produce free radicals which were breaking down the coating of Colorbond roofs in a matter of weeks. Researchers found that the nanoparticles increased the rate of sun damage by 100 times. The study raised serious concerns about the impact these ingredients may be having on our skin and scientists have questioned their use in sunscreen.

Despite these concerns, the Federal Government has taken no action to remove these ingredients from sunscreen and recent testing by the National Measurement Institute shows that they are still being used — even in children's sunscreen.