Inhaled nanomaterials

Lungs are another part of the body which is particularly exposed to silver nanoparticies. Experiments investigating the effect of inhaled nanomaterials demonstrated that lungs are an easy target for nanosilver, which may additionally migrate via the nasal pathway to the brain. However, there is a limited amount of evidence concerning toxic effects on lung cells (Soto et al., 2007). 

Little information exists for respiratory effects of inhaled nanomaterials related to their size. In some cases, the small size allows particles to attach to lung surfaces. In other cases, inhaled nanomaterials may initiate inflammatory responses. 

Klein, C., Wiench, K., Wiemann, M., Ma-Hock, L., Van Ravenzwaay, B. Landsiedel, R. 2012. Hazard identification of inhaled nanomaterials making use of short-term inhalation studies. Archives of Toxicology, 86, 1137-1151. 

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