The toxicity of nanoparticles span over a large range from those which are relatively safe all the way to those which can potentially cause cancer. It is clear that the problem is tricky since it is a function of a number of variables including particle size and size distribution, agglomeration state, shape, crystal structure, chemical composition, surface area, surface chemistry, surface charge and porosity. In the middle of all this uncertainty, I would like an elaborate answer, advice, legislation, guide on who to safely deal with nanoparticles.
Dear Mustafa,
The following references may answer your questions: http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/en/nanotechnologies/l-2/6-health-effects-nanoparticles.htm#1 http://www.orientjchem.org/vol29no4/chemical-hazards-of-nanoparticles-to-human-and-environment-a-review/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2844666/
Thanks Florian !!! I would like more detail into specific nanopartciles. For example, carbon nanotubes (Multi wall or single wall), titanium dioxide, silica, alumina, zinc oxide, etc.
Carbon nanotube
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3851535/
Titanium dioxide
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423755/
Silica
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5562771/
Alumina https://digitalfire.com/4sight/hazards/ceramic_hazard_alumina_toxicology_341.html
Zinc oxide
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26531873
Carbon is a naturally existing element in the world and its existence is continuously increasing as organic matter decays. We cannot eat carbon, yet it is the main constituent of our body. So its the way we manage a resource and dispose it off matters alot. It can be argued that Carbon Nanotubes/nanoarticles are toxic, yet care must be taken while handling them and once they have been utilized, they can still be used as a biomass product to fuel green energy applications.
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