Toxicity of nanoparticles: etiology and mechanisms

Rapidly developing nanotechnologies offer many benefits; however, as a side effect, they can be toxic. The toxicity of nanoparticles may be different depending on the specific nanoproperties from which their reactivity, retention time, and distribution in the human body derive. While the number of nanoparticle types and applications continues to increase, studies to characterize their effects after exposure and to address their potential toxicity are few in comparison. In this chapter we describe the nanoparticles sources and their toxic effects. We dedicate particular attention to nanoparticles used in the health-care industry that draw abundantly upon nanotechnology. We describe the mechanism of toxicity, which is important not only to prevent the nanoparticles intoxication, but as well to prepare tailor-made health treatments.