Health Hazards of Nanoparticles and Environmental Pollutants

Year : 2025 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 01 | Page : 1-9
    By

    Sudhin Varghese,

  1. Student, Department of Physiotherapy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The exponential growth in the use of nanoparticles and the prevalence of environmental pollutants have raised significant concerns regarding their health hazards. Nanoparticles, owing to their unique physicochemical properties—such as small size, high surface areatovolume ratio, and chemical reactivity—can penetrate biological barriers, including the bloodbrain barrier, and interact at the cellular and molecular levels. This can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular dysfunction, ultimately resulting in potential toxicity. Similarly, environmental pollutants, which include heavy metals, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), contribute to a wide spectrum of health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and various forms of cancer. These hazards are compounded by the bioaccumulation of toxins and their longterm impact on biological systems.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the health risks associated with nanoparticles and environmental pollutants. It delves into their mechanisms of action, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of cellular pathways, as well as the broader implications for public health. By understanding these risks, researchers and policymakers can collaborate to develop mitigation strategies, promote safer technological advancements, and implement effective regulatory frameworks to safeguard human health and the environment in an era of increasing exposure to these hazardous agents.

Keywords: Nanoparticles, environmental pollutants, toxicity, public health, nanotoxicology, oxidative stress

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology ]

How to cite this article:
Sudhin Varghese. Health Hazards of Nanoparticles and Environmental Pollutants. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology. 2025; 15(01):1-9.
How to cite this URL:
Sudhin Varghese. Health Hazards of Nanoparticles and Environmental Pollutants. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology. 2025; 15(01):1-9. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjot/article=2025/view=201121



References

  1. Oberdörster G, Oberdörster E, Oberdörster J. Nanotoxicology: An emerging discipline evolving from studies of ultrafine particles. Environ Health Perspect. 2005;113(7):823-839. doi:10.1289/ehp.7339.
  2. Kampa M, Castanas E. Human health effects of air pollution. Environ Pollut. 2008;151(2):362-367. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2007.06.012.
  3. Maynard AD, Aitken RJ, Butz T, Colvin V, Donaldson K, Oberdörster G, et al. Safe handling of nanotechnology. 2006;444(7117):267-269. doi:10.1038/444267a.
  4. Kuhlbusch TAJ, Asbach C, Fissan H, Göhler D, Stintz M. Regulation of engineered nanoparticles. Nat Nanotechnol. 2011;6(5):288-289. doi:10.1038/nnano.2011.80.
  5. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Occupational exposure to nanoparticles. CDC/NIOSH Publication No. 2013-145. 2013. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-145/.
  6. Iavicoli I, Leso V, Bergamaschi A. Nanoparticles in the workplace: The new hazards. Environ Health Perspect. 2009;117(2):289-292. doi:10.1289/ehp.11870.
  7. Moghimi SM, Hunter AC, Murray JC. Nanomedicine: From science fiction to the clinic. Nat Nanotechnol. 2011;6(9):674-678. doi:10.1038/nnano.2011.168.
  8. Sayes CM, Fortner JD, Guo W, Lyon D, Boyd AM, Ausman KD, et al. Nano-ecotoxicology and the environmental impact of nanomaterials. Toxicol Lett. 2006;162(1):21-29. doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2005.10.020.
  9. Aschberger K, Johnston HJ, Stone V, Aitken RJ, Tran CL, Hankin S, et al. Manufacture and use of nanomaterials: Current state of knowledge, regulatory and research needs. Environ Health Perspect. 2014;122(3):1009-1018. doi:10.1289/ehp.1408205.
  10. Bawa R, Ormond M. Nanotechnology and the public: The role of regulation and public engagement. Technol Soc. 2008;30(1):55-60. doi:10.1016/j.techsoc.2007.11.005.

Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 01
Received 30/12/2024
Accepted 01/01/2025
Published 19/02/2025
Publication Time 51 Days


My IP

PlumX Metrics