Review on Nanotoxicology and Its Implications

Nanotechnology, which is the one of the most rapidly emerging fields of the present day, has shown many promising applications in the field of electronics, communication, environmental remediation, medicine, agriculture and health care among others. However, as is seen with any technological advancement and innovations, there are several drawbacks associated with this technology, of which the most apparent aspect of concern is the toxicity associated with the several types of nanomaterials and nanoparticles which are being indiscriminately used in several fields and industries today. This is felt more so in areas involving nanomedicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmoceuticals, etc. which involve direct interaction of these particles with human and animal cells, tissues and organs. In case of their use in applications which do not directly affect human health and welfare, their disposal after use presents a more severe problem. There are no regulatory authorities which look into the toxicological aspects of these materials currently and several of thestatutory bodies which deal with toxicity assessment issues do not consider a material as different unless their composition differs. Hence is a bulk material of a particular composition has been traditionally established as non toxic, then the corresponding nanomaterial is also considered safe today. It is yet to be strongly realized that reduction in particle size lead to alteration in properties of many materials, and this may have many adverse impacts compared to bulk material of the same composition. The different characteristics of nanoparticles such as size, shape, surface charge, chemical properties, solubility and degree of agglomeration will determine their effects on biological systems and human health, and the likelihood of respiratory hazards. There are a number of new studies about the potential occupational and environmental effects of nanoparticles and general precautionary measures are now fully justified.