ABSTRACT
The rapid development in the area of nanotechnology enhanced the production of various nanomaterials, such as transition metal-based nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials, and their analogs nanocomposites. Liquid and crystal nanomaterials are used in several areas, like industries, agriculture, business, medicine, and public health. Due to the vast utilization of these a new concept of nanotoxicity comes into the scenario of the picture. Along with some benefits, challenges may be foreseen during the incorporation and production of nanomaterials. Many of the materials and processes currently used not only are dependent on non-renewable resources but also create hazardous wastes. Environmental, socio-ethical issues, health and safety risks, problems related to the acceptance of products by consumers, and market demand may prevail during the manufacturing and production of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials, being smaller in size, maybe inhaled or ingested via one or many pathways and can cause serious problems to human health as well as to the environment. This chapter gives a summary of the nature and toxicity of various nanomaterials in the environment as well as the negative impact on human beings.
