Health Effects of Nanoparticle Aerosol—Fullerene and Carbon Nanotube as Carbon Materials—

Abstract

Nanoscience and nanotechnology are remarkably developed. However, some reports suggest that nanoparticle influence not only the cardiopulmonary system but also the cranial nerves via the olfactory bulb and are also absorbed through skin. Currently, nanoparticles are used in some sunscreen, cosmetic and catalytic products, which release nanoparticles into the environment and exposure to workers in manufactured nanoparticles. Therefore, appropriate risk assessment and risk management are required. This section describes the characteristics and health effects of fullerene and carbon nanotubes. The sphere of fullerene is similar to quartz, carbon particles or titanium dioxide, while carbon nanotubes are similar to asbestos. These nanoproducts seem to be closely related to their toxicity in the human body.