ABSTRACT
The growing use of nanomaterials has raised public concern about their potential risks to human health, since the safety of these compounds has not been fully assessed, partly because nanomaterials have been considered as safe as common larger sized materials, which are not absorbed by the body. Could Nanotechnology be dangerous? Indeed, many nanomaterials are based on molecules, which are, per se, toxic, others are non-degradable and if humans are exposed to these materials, they can potentially accumulate in organs with unknown effects. Others, because of their surface properties or quantum effects, can have a catalytic activity that may interfere with biological processes. In some cases, the nano form may facilitate the uptake of molecules or ions at the cellular or body level that would otherwise not be possible, with toxicological consequences.
