Toxicity and safety issues of carbon nanotubes

Narei, Hamid; Ghasempour, Roghayeh; Akhavan, Omid

Abstract

In this chapter, the main determinants of carbon nanotube (CNT) toxicity and the possible mechanisms of CNT-induced toxicity are presented. The chapter also summarizes recent, noteworthy studies on the bio- and ecotoxicological effects of CNTs. Novel materials are frequently commercialized without a comprehensive assessment of the risks and hazards associated with exposure to them since such assessments are costly and time-consuming; furthermore, the methodology required for such an assessment might not exist. The widespread and rapidly growing use of CNTs in scientific and engineering experiments due to their unique physicochemical properties and their incorporation into manufactured products have raised numerous probing questions regarding their potential toxicity to human beings and the environment. To address these concerns, more recently, some organized researches have been conducted into the various aspects of CNT-induced toxicity, such as determinants and mechanisms of their toxicity. Promoting the awareness of researchers and engineers about these aspects, as well as the detrimental effects of CNTs on human beings and the environment could be a key factor in adopting safety requirements in the production of CNTs and CNT-containing materials, and/or CNT-related experimental studies.

• Publication Date: Jan 5, 2018
• Deposit Date: Feb 8, 2025
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Pages: 145-171
• ISBN: 978-0-323-48221-9
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-48221-9.00007-8