Title: Safety implications of nanoparticles

Authors: Salaheddine Bendak

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, King Saud University, P.O. Box 800 Riyadh, 11421, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Nanoparticles are characterised with their near atomic scales, usually between 1 nanometer and 100 nanometers. These particles have recently gained popularity due to their huge surface area that has the potential to alter the behaviour of individual molecules. Nanotechnology is concerned with manipulating matter to a nanoscale and has great commercial potential. Nanoparticles| extremely small size makes them much easier to penetrate into human body and, possibly, cause adverse effects on health. This paper aims at determining what is known about the state of safety of nanoparticles through an extensive literature review. In light of this review, a framework for future research to ascertain the safe use of nanoparticles is suggested.

Keywords: nanoparticles; nanotechnology; safety; health; future research; safe use; literature review.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNP.2009.028769

International Journal of Nanoparticles, 2009 Vol.2 No.1/2/3/4/5/6, pp.354-360

Published online: 30 Sep 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article