Chapter 24 - Toxicity of nanomaterials

Abstract

Abstract Nanotoxicology includes the study of adverse effects of nanomaterials on organisms and ecosystems. It is a challenging field because of the unique physical–chemical properties of materials at the nanoscale. At this scale the biological impacts of materials tend to be dependent on the unit size and shape of the material. Engineered nanomaterials are increasingly produced and utilized in a wide variety of products, and the uncertainties regarding their potential adverse health effects, which are associated with their unique properties, makes risk assessment challenging. Evidence of adverse health effects have been demonstrated in in vitro studies, in vivo studies, and in epidemiological studies. In many cases, however, the interpretation of available data is complicated by the use of very high doses to elicit cell responses and adverse effects; a lack of data relevant to chronic, low-dose exposures; complexities associated with nanomaterial characterization; and the dynamic nature of nanomaterials in the environment and in biological systems. The rate at which new nanomaterials with unique properties are developed is increasing and often outpaces the ability to characterize the potential adverse health risks associated with these materials. The growth of the nanomaterials and nanotechnology industries promises many benefits, which should be balanced by effective risk assessment. Emerging areas of nanotoxicological investigation include the interactions of nanomaterials with other toxicants, either by enhancing, or reducing adverse health risks as well as the potential adverse environmental effects associated with nanomaterials pollution.