ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology is the ability to understand, control, and manipulate matter at nanoscale dimension (i.e., 1–100 nm). At these dimensions, nanomaterials exhibit unique properties, in comparison to their bulk equivalents, such as lower melting points, higher specific surface areas, specific optical properties, mechanical strengths, and chemical reactivity. Unique properties of nanomaterials have increased their production and applications in many areas (e.g., cosmetics, drug delivery, electronics, imaging, textiles, biotechnology, and medicines). However, while nanoparticles can lead to breakthrough applications, they may also cause some serious environmental problems which not only pollute air, water, and soil but also causes various hazardous health effects. Humans are already exposed to the danger of variety of nanomaterials, whether natural or human-made, such as carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, metal oxide nanoparticles, zero-valence metals, and dendrimers by air, water, food, and numerous commercial products available. Due to greater surface-to-volume ratio, biopersistence, and greater oxidant capacity, nanoparticles are primary source for toxicity, which can easily penetrate epithelium and reach interstitial pulmonary area. There are needs to protect public and environmental health and safety. Standards or guidelines, which can directly refer to nanomaterials effect, do not presently exist. Thus, this present chapter provides an outline of all the toxic effects of nanomaterials, their type including their transportation and decomposition, and how adversely they affect the various physical factors of environment.
