ABSTRACT
Nanoparticles administered via the respiratory and olfactory routes mainly include three types of products: (1) nanocosmetics designed for the perfume or fragrance, (2) nanomedicines designed for medical therapy and diagnosis, and (3) nanomaterials designed for various consumer applications. This chapter will primarily focus on the administration and disposition of nanomedicines versus conventional drugs and chemical substances. Nanomedicines have recently been developed for the treatment of respiratory diseases, and the respiratory and olfactory routes provide promising alternatives to systemic delivery while largely bypassing hepatic metabolism. In addition, this chapter will discuss the occupational or environmental exposure of humans to nanomaterials via inhalation because an understanding of the fate of industrial nanomaterials enables an expectation of the fate of nanomedicines, especially those that fall into the nonbiodegradable category.
