Exposure of Nanoparticle Leads to Health Hazards

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a technique used for the production of materials of the nanoscale level. This is a new development in technology which usually entails some hazards as well as advantage to society. Thus nanomaterials are well known for their various beneficial uses in the medicines, engineering, computer, etc., in spite of that it is associated with many hazards related to human health. The exposure of nanomaterials through dermal contact, inhalation, ingestion, exposure to broken tissues or wounds, etc. can cause adverse effects on the body. Toxicity of nanoparticles is attributed to oxidative stress, followed by DNA damage and apoptosis and for this reason of toxicity, the use of NPs become limited. Toxicity of nanomaterials depends on various factors like surface charge, particle size, porosity, shape and composition, surface functionality, crystallinity etc. In this review, we illustrate risks relating to causation of diseases associated with exposure to aerosols of combustion particles and also asbestos, leading to particle toxicity in the body. Also, we review the current understanding of hazard with NPs derived from the new science of nanotoxicology. Finally, we discuss some guidelines to control toxicity and risks by nanoparticles and early steps towards regulation and other difficulties facing regulators in controlling potentially harmful exposures in the absence of sufficient scientific evidence. The objective of the current review is to provide concise information about the health hazards so that possible alternatives to steps may be taken.

Keywords: Nanoparticles, toxicological hazard, measurement, regulation, nanotechnology

Cite this Article

Nitesh Gupta, Surya Prakash Gautam, Baldeep Kaur, Gaganpreet Kaur. Exposure of Nanoparticle Leads to Health Hazards. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology. 2019; 9(3): 7–18p.