A Review on the Respiratory System Toxicity of Carbon Nanoparticles

Maricica Pacurari, Kristine Lowe, Paul B. Tchounwou and Ramzi Kafoury
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Maricica Pacurari: Biology Department, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
Kristine Lowe: Biology Department, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
Paul B. Tchounwou: Biology Department, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
Ramzi Kafoury: Biology Department, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA

IJERPH, 2016, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-19

Abstract: The respiratory system represents the main gateway for nanoparticles’ entry into the human body. Although there is a myriad of engineered nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles/nanotubes (CNPs/CNTs) have received much attention mainly due to their light weight, very high surface area, durability, and their diverse applications. Since their discovery and manufacture over two decades ago, much has been learned about nanoparticles’ interactions with diverse biological system models. In particular, the respiratory system has been of great interest because various natural and man-made fibrous particles are known to be responsible for chronic and debilitating lung diseases. In this review, we present up-to-date the literature regarding the effects of CNTs or carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on the human respiratory system with respect to respiratory toxicity pathways and associated pathologies. This article is intended to emphasize the potentially dangerous effects to the human respiratory system if inadequate measures are used in the manufacture, handling, and preparation and applications of CNP or CNP-based products.

Keywords: CNF; CNT; respiratory pathology; toxicological pathways; exposure levels (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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