Nanotoxicology In Environment: A review article

Abstract

A nanometer is one billionth of a meter, which is about 1/50,000th the width of a strand of hair. Sub-microscopic nanoparticles exhibit unique properties that are strikingly different from even slightly larger sized particles. They express quantum mechanical phenomena and are small enough to pass through the skin and even through the tight mesh cells comprising the blood-brain barrier. Nanomaterials are being extensively exploited for their unique and diverse features, to raise the utility and associated value of the existing technologies , through enhanced production or by eliminating side effects or both. Nanotoxicology, is intended to define the toxicological activities of potential nanomaterials and their products, to determine whether and to what extent these materials pose threat to environment and human health. In this context, the fate of nanoparticles in environment with reference to air, water and soil has been considered. Studies about nanomaterials shows that some nanomaterials may have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects and may pose health risks. However, there is limited knowledge about the toxicity of nanomaterials. The nanotoxicology research focuses on the relationship between nanomaterial characteristics (size, shape, surface area etc.) and their toxic responses (cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, inflammation etc.). The knowledge from nanotoxicological study will be the base for designing safe nanomaterials and nanoproducts, and also direct uses in the nanomedical sciences. The main objective of the present review is to focus on the effect of nanomaterials on health and environment and to discuss the sources, fate, impacts, pathways and mechanisms of toxicity of engineered nanomaterial.