Although mankind stands to obtain great benefit from nanotechnology, it is important to consider the potential health impacts of nanomaterials (NMs). This consideration has launched the field of nanotoxicology, which is charged with assessing toxicological potential as well as promoting safe design and use of NMs. Although no human ailments have been ascribed to NMs thus far, early experimental studies indicate that NMs could initiate adverse biological responses that can lead to toxicological outcomes.
One of the principal mechanisms is the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidant injury.
Because oxidant injury is also a major mechanism by which ambient ultrafine particles can induce adverse health effects, it is useful to consider the lessons learned from studying ambient particles.
This review discusses the toxicological potential of NMs by comparing the possible injury mechanisms and adverse health effects of engineered and ambient ultrafine particles.
Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Public Health Volume 30 is March 17, 2009. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/catalog/pubdates.aspx for revised estimates.
2009-01-15
ENG.
Annual review of public health
Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095; email: txia [at] ucla.edu.
Annu Rev Public Health. 14 Jan 2009
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