Toxicological Implications of Emerging Nanomaterials on Human Health and Ecological Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Nanotechnology has advanced at a very high rate leading to high rates of the production and application of many nanomaterials in medicine, industry, agriculture, and in the environmental systems. Their unique physicochemical characteristics have brought forth transformative benefits albeit with their own grave concerns as far as the unintended toxicological effects are involved. Nevertheless, despite the ever-growing body of information, there remains some limited knowledge that has been gathered concerning the risks of the newly emerging nanomaterials on human health and the ecological systems. This review will give a synthesis of what has been published on the toxicological pathways of nanomaterials with special attention to major sources of exposure such as inhalation, ingestion, dermal penetration, and systemic distribution. Of specific interest is the oxidative stress, genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and bioaccumulation routes, and ecological effects like soil pollution, aquatic toxicity, and trophic transfer. In addition, the new systems of risk assessment and regulation are singled out in the article, yet it is observed that there are no standardized testing and monitoring, which should be done in long-term perspective. Providing biomedical and environmental toxicology, the review will provide an independent opinion on the effects of the nanomaterial exposures and the need of safer design programs, predictive programs of the toxicology and environment-friendly nanomaterial substitutes.