14 - Environmental impact on toxicity of nanomaterials

Abstract

Nanotechnology field comprises revolutionary developments with new advanced applications of nanomaterials (NMs). Nevertheless, the toxicity and side effects of nanoparticles (NPs) in biological systems and environment are less known. The common exposure routes of NPs are inhalation, skin penetration, and ingestion, whereas the surface chemistry, shape, particle size, and surface area jointly classify the NPs toxicity. Although many NPs occurred in nature, the manufacture and applications of modified NPs in numerous areas include paints, medicines, cosmetics, coatings, electronics, food and food packaging, fuel catalysts, water treatment, and bioremediation. The bulk production for use in sunscreens, drug delivery, and occupational exposure to NPs increases the adverse effects on health. Rapidly developing nanotechnologies offer many benefits; however, toxicity is a side effect. The toxicity of NPs may vary depending on the specific properties at nanoscale that depends on reactivity, retention time, and distribution in the living body. The evaluation of NPs toxicity can be done by considering the interaction between the living cells and NPs. It is crucial that novel NMs should be synthesized biologically to reduce the health hazards to guarantee reduced risk and sustainable implementation of nanotechnology. In this chapter the characteristics of NMs that influence cytotoxicity are discussed and the identification of those properties leads to more efficient designing of safer nanosized products for diverse industrial purposes and reduced environmental risk.