Review of Nanoparticle Toxicity Concludes That Application and Hazard are Tied Together in Physicochemical Properties

Pulmonary applications and toxicity of engineered nanoparticles
J. W. Card, D. C. Zeldin, J. C. Bonner, and E. R. Nestmann
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol, September 1, 2008; 295(3): L400 - L411.

Because of their unique physicochemical properties, engineered nanoparticles have the potential to significantly impact respiratory research and medicine by means of improving imaging capability and drug delivery, among other applications. These same properties, however, present potential safety concerns, and there is accumulating evidence to suggest that nanoparticles may exert adverse effects on pulmonary structure and function. The respiratory system is susceptible to injury resulting from inhalation of gases, aerosols, and particles, and also from systemic delivery of drugs, chemicals, and other compounds to the lungs via direct cardiac output to the pulmonary arteries. As such, it is a prime target for the possible toxic effects of engineered nanoparticles. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the potential usefulness of nanoparticles and nanotechnology in respiratory research and medicine and to highlight important issues and recent data pertaining to nanoparticle-related pulmonary toxicity.
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BrooklynDodger(s) comment: This abstract conveys no information, but having saved it, the Dodger(s) need to fill a day's post. The toxic potential of nanoparticles is well established, the equivalent of hazard identification in the NAS Red Book paradigm. No uncertainty left. Potency estimates - exposure response assessment - are grounded in short term exposure studies in laboratories, but can be grounded in potency estimates for diesel particulate matter and carbon black.