title: Impact of nanoparticles on human and environment: review of toxicity factors, exposures, control strategies, and future prospects.
abstract: Nanotechnology has revolutionized the world through introduction of a unique class of materials and consumer products in many arenas. It has led to production of innovative materials and devices. Despite of their unique advantages and applications in domestic and industrial sectors, use of materials with dimensions in nanometers has raised the issue of safety for workers, consumers, and human environment. Because of their small size and other unique characteristics, nanoparticles have ability to harm human and wildlife by interacting through various mechanisms. We have reviewed the characteristics of nanoparticles which form the basis of their toxicity. This paper also reviews possible routes of exposure of nanoparticles to human body. Dermal contact, inhalation, and ingestion have been discussed in detail. As very limited data is available for long-term human exposures, there is a pressing need to develop the methods which can determine short and long-term effects of nanoparticles on human and environment. We also discuss in brief the strategies which can help to control human exposures to toxic nanoparticles. We have outlined the current status of toxicological studies dealing with nanoparticles, accomplishments, weaknesses, and future challenges.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia, msajid@kfupm.edu.sa.
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sajid
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ilyas
authors.forename: Chanbasha
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Basheer
authors.forename: Madiha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tariq
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Daud
authors.forename: Nadeem
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Baig
authors.forename: Farrukh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Shehzad
mesh_terms: D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants