Carbon Nanomaterials - A Toxicity Approach

Carbon nanomaterials (CNM) such as carbon nanofibres (CNF), multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and carbon nanorods (CNR) were found various industrial and commercial applications. In occupational settings, these MWCNT, CNF and CNR may release into the surroundings in aerosol form. The potential mechanism of hazards related to inhalation of these CNM is unknown. The book evaluated the toxicity of these CNM using a combination of both in vitro and in vivo studies with relevant dose levels. The exposure of three types of carbon CNM to different cells produced concentration-dependant cytotoxicity, in vitro. The in vivo studies in rats revealed a dose dependent multifocal granulomas and cytotoxicity or necrosis of alveoli lead to lung toxicity. The findings showed a significant reduction in enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidant levels. The results suggest increased utilization by ROS as an important contributing factor to the lower concentrations of anti-oxidants in CNM exposed rats. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the possible mechanisms involved in CNM induced genotoxicity.