Health Hazards of Nanotechnology

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary mechanisms of nanoparticle toxicity?

Increased concentration of nutrients

Production of reactive oxygen species (correct)

Enhanced cell communication

Reduction of surface area to volume ratio

How does the size of nanoparticles relate to their chemical reactivity?

Smaller nanoparticles have a lower surface area to volume ratio.

Larger nanoparticles are more chemically reactive.

Smaller nanoparticles exhibit greater chemical reactivity. (correct)

Surface area does not affect chemical reactivity.

What effect does the electrostatic attraction of positively charged metal ions have on cell membranes?

It causes cell membrane repair.

It enhances nutrient permeation into cells.

It promotes cell membrane expansion.

It prevents necessary transport and communication. (correct)

What is a common consequence of DNA damage caused by metal nanoparticles?

Mutated cells and colonies Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common route of exposure to airborne nanoparticles in the workplace?

Inhalation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nanoparticles has been noted to induce apoptosis mainly through oxidative stress?

Metallic nanoparticles Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to cell viability when exposed to copper oxide nanoparticles?

Up to 60% of cells can become unviable. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the deposition of nanoparticles in the respiratory tract?

Shape and size of particles Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of nanomaterials?

They can cross biological membranes. Signup and view all the answers

How might nanomaterials affect the human body's response to pathogens?

They cause stress reactions and inflammation. Signup and view all the answers

Which route of entry can accelerate the uptake of nanomaterials through the skin?

Broken skin from minor injuries. Signup and view all the answers

What does an increased surface area to mass ratio in nanoparticles suggest?

They may have stronger pro-inflammatory effects. Signup and view all the answers

Which health concern is associated with non-degradable nanomaterials?

The accumulation in bodily organs. Signup and view all the answers

Where can nanomaterials be transported once in the bloodstream?

To brain, heart, liver, and other organs. Signup and view all the answers

What property of nanoparticles allows them to pose a unique threat to human health?

They can move with greater freedom compared to larger particles. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method of exposure to nanomaterials?

They can be inhaled, ingested, or injected. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential route for nanoparticles to enter the bloodstream?

Through inhalation in the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Which physicochemical properties of nanoparticles can affect their ability to penetrate skin?

Size, shape, water solubility, and surface coating Signup and view all the answers

What is a common concern regarding the ethical implications of nanotechnology?

The potential for military applications Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'gray goo' refer to in the context of nanotechnology?

A self-replicating nanotechnology scenario that threatens biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

How can inhalation of nanoparticles lead to ingestion?

Particles cleared from the respiratory tract may be swallowed Signup and view all the answers

According to ethical guidelines, how should nanomachines be designed?

To be specialized and tagged for tracking Signup and view all the answers

What is one method by which nanomaterials might enter the body during occupational exposure?

Penetration through intact skin Signup and view all the answers

What ethical concern is raised regarding self-replicating nanomachines?

They may consume resources endlessly, leading to environmental hazards Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Health Hazards of Nanotechnology

Nanoparticles are smaller than 100 nanometers and exhibit different properties compared to their bulk counterparts.
Their smaller size makes them potentially more harmful to humans, as they can evade the body's defense mechanisms designed for larger particles
Increased surface area to mass ratio can lead to greater inflammatory responses, especially in lung tissue.
Some nanoparticles can travel from their initial deposition site to distant organs like the brain and blood.
Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, as well as accidental injection during medical procedures.
Nanomaterials can cross biological membranes and access cells, tissues, and organs inaccessible to larger particles.
They can enter the bloodstream through inhalation or ingestion and be transported throughout the body, reaching organs like the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, bone marrow, and nervous system.

Mechanisms of Toxicity

Oxidative Stress: The high surface area to volume ratio of some nanoparticles enhances their chemical reactivity, increasing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS production is a key mechanism of nanoparticle toxicity, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to proteins, membranes, and DNA.
Cytotoxicity: Nanoparticles can damage cell viability by interfering with cell membrane function. Positively charged metal ions can bind to cell membranes, disrupting their ability to transport nutrients and waste, rendering cells inactive.
Genotoxicity: Certain metal and metal oxide nanoparticles can cause DNA damage, potentially leading to mutations and cellular abnormalities.

Routes of Administration

Respiratory: Inhalation is a primary route of exposure to airborne nanoparticles, with smaller particles depositing more effectively in the lungs. Animal studies suggest nanoparticles can enter the bloodstream from the lungs and reach other organs, including the brain.
Dermal: Some studies suggest nanoparticles can penetrate intact skin, especially mechanically flexed skin. Factors like size, shape, water solubility, and surface coating influence their ability to penetrate the skin.
Gastrointestinal: Ingestion can occur through unintentional hand-to-mouth contact or from particles cleared from the respiratory tract via the mucociliary escalator.

Ethical Concerns

Possible military applications, dangers posed by self-replicating nanomachines, and their use for surveillance are key ethical concerns surrounding nanotechnology.
Potential environmental and public health risks are addressed in reports by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment and the European Environment Agency.
The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics suggests potential guidelines for an ethics of nanotechnology:
- Nanomachines should be specialized, not general purpose.
- Nanomachines should not be self-replicating.
- Nanomachines should not rely on abundant natural compounds as fuel.
- Nanomachines should be tagged for tracking.
Ethical concerns include opposition to using nanotechnology for lethal autonomous weapons and fear of a "grey goo" scenario, where self-replicating machines consume all biomass on Earth.

Grey Goo

Grey goo (also spelled grey goo) is a hypothetical global catastrophic scenario involving uncontrolled self-replicating nanmachines consuming all biomass on Earth while replicating themselves. This scenario is called ecophagy.

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Description

This quiz explores the health risks associated with nanotechnology, focusing on the unique properties of nanoparticles and their potential toxicity. It highlights how these tiny particles can evade the body’s defenses and cause harm to various organs through different exposure routes. Understand the implications of nanomaterials on human health and the mechanisms behind their toxicity.