A Review: Carbon Nanotubes Toxicity Effects on The Respiratory System and Skin

Abstract

Nowadays, Carbon nanotubes have been widely used in industry, engineering, science, and many other fields. The CNTs are formed of two classes, the first class is single-wall (SWCNTs) and the second is multi-wall (MWCNTs). Their synthesis is implemented using various methods such as Arc discharge and chemical vapor deposition processes. These methods produce stripping carbon atoms which exist as carbon whiskers formed as a side product in the air that could be breathed by human in the factories. These broad applications directly affect the human health because they are related to important areas involving direct influence to human health for example, in the pharmaceutical and food industries. One of the main risks facing the use of carbon nanotubes is to study the toxicity and the possibility of causing serious diseases such as lung cancer and skin cancer. As mentioned in the results of published researches explored in this review, especially those related to studying the effect of carbon nanotube on rat groups, for instance, direct exposure to specific amounts of carbon nanoparticles has caused serious complications, fibrosis and the emergence of carcinogenic infections in lung cells. Studies have shown that the toxicity of carbon nanotubes exceeded the toxicity of known toxic compounds such as quartz. These results, which have been discussed in the research, indicate that nanoparticles are considered as a toxic substance and we should be very cautious when dealing with them and take the necessary precautions in the laboratory especially those related to human health and food industries.