The Powell (2007) article indicates there is an ongoing debate on the risks and opportunities brought about by nanotechnology. Scientists who participate in the research and development of nanoparticles claim that nanotechnologies do not pose a new or substantial risk to the environment (Powell, 2007). While a section of scientists who are involved in studying the health effects of the technology claim that nanotechnology is risky to human health and the environment. The latter argument is based on valid scientific research and therefore it is more trustworthy. The Van Zijverden, & Sips (2009) article confirms that there are risks both to man and the environment following exposure to nanoparticles. This paper is intended to show how nanoparticles occur as toxins in the environment and human bodies. The Agency for toxic substances and disease registry which is a subsidiary of the center for disease control and which falls under the US department of health and human services has the role of protecting communities from harmful health effects brought about by exposure to natural and man-made hazardous substance (CDC, 2014). Some of the substances identified by the agency as toxins include Aluminum, ammonia, arsenic, Benzene, Cadmium Lead, mercury, and PCBs. It is surprising to realize that nanoparticles are not included in this list of toxins. The reason behind it could be the fact that the US government has been funding research and development associated with nanotechnology (CDC, 2014). The probable reason why the US government is investing in nanotechnology might be the fact that the particles occur as free, non-biodegradable, and insoluble components that are used in medical applications, food, and consumer products among other parts of human development (Horikoshi & Serpone, 2013). The particles have revolutionized the industrial sector. Elements are also used in electronics, biotechnology, and activities related to aerospace engineering. In medicine, the particles are used in the production of modern drugs, proteins, DNA, and monoclonal antibodies. Examples of medical nanotechnology products include liposomes, polyethylene glycol, and dendrimers (Bahadar, Maqbool, Niaz, & Abdollahi, 2016). Therefore one might ask, are nanotechnologies occurring as a breakthrough in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, and engineering? What health risks are associated with this kind of technology? The nanoparticles have both benefits and implications for human health. Firstly it is important to note that most of the nanoparticles have the same dimensions as biological molecules such as proteins. This feature gives them unique capabilities once they enter the human body. The major way that the particles get inside the body is through inhalation. Considering the nanoparticles are just a few nanometers they usually reach inside the bimolecular. This is the reason why scientists use it in the delivery of drugs to the human body. The inhaled nanoparticles quickly travel through the blood to reach important organs such liver, heart, and blood cells (Rom, 2012). This makes drugs produced using this technology efficiently be absorbed into and utilized by the body's organs. However, it is risky to depend on nanotechnology for the production and utilization of drugs for human consumption. This is because most nanoparticles do not degrade or dissolve. The particles may accumulate in the body and persist for a long time. This makes them pose health risks.
The nanoparticles are present in traffic emissions and they cause air pollution. The particles can be inhaled and stuck in the respiratory tract. A fraction of the inhaled particles might be deposited in the lungs. Subsequently, these particles are transported to the brain, liver, spleen, and possibly to the fetus in pregnant women. The fact that nanoparticles are in minute sizes makes them easier to move to different parts of the body. The particles have also been observed to move from the olfactory nerve to the brain. The health effects associated with the particles include lung infection and heart problems. Disease soot is usually linked with this complication as it contains substantial among of nanoparticles. OSHA claims that humans have always been exposed to nanoparticles and dust from natural sources and human activities. The increased activities in industry and combustion-based engine transport increase the risks of anthropogenic nanoparticulate pollution (Buzea, Pacheco& Robbie, 2007). Research shows there has been limited information on workplace exposure to new nanomaterials that are being developed (United States Department of Labor, 2014). The traditional material that people have been exposed to include titanium dioxide and carbon black. At the workplace, the workers are exposed to toxic material during the production process (laboratory and factory), use of products, transport, storage, and waste treatment (Powell, 2007). Consequently, the release of nanomaterials during such processes might affect the consumer’s health (Friis, 2012). Additional sources of nanomaterials include aluminum oxide, gold, copper oxide, silver, zinc oxide, and titanium oxide. Aluminum oxide particles are present in fuel cells, polymers, paints and coating, textiles, and biomaterials and they have toxic effects on the human body. The particles disturb body processes and increase oxidative stress. Nanomaterials associated with gold are known to cause cancer and thermal therapy. Therefore these particles put people at risk of suffering from leukemia. Copper and titanium nanoparticles have effects on the liver and kidneys. Nanoparticles the in the environment contribute to air pollution and they cause air pollution-related diseases. This is risky as it is estimated that over 7 million people die each year due to these diseases. Black carbon (which is a nanoparticle) has been identified as a major cause of climate change. This carbon originates from diesel vehicles, diesel engines, coal, biomass stoves, and waste incineration. These impacts can be reversed if carbon emissions were controlled. Such an action would help to solve climate change and health problems associated with nanoparticle toxins. The potential hazards of nanometers have not been scientifically documented. This is because there is a lack of information mostly regarding the physicochemical properties of the nanomaterials. Additionally, there is a high variation in procedures and high variability in test results. The sharing of information regarding nanomaterials has been hampered by difficulties. This makes it difficult to establish the impact of toxic materials on the environment (Hilgenkamp, 2006). According to Walser et al (2012), nanoparticles are persistent and non-biodegradable. In this research, cerium oxide nanoparticles were introduced into full-scale waste incineration and they were observed to bind loosely to solid residues from the combustion process and can be efficiently removed using the available filter technology (Walser et al 2012). Different studies confirmed that nanomaterials were persistent in the animal’s body several days after the exposure. Some particles such as Silver were persistent in the animal’s body for up to 56 days (Rom, 2012). The government is aware that nanotechnology can be used to make novel products, however, it has recommended that an examination should be done to determine the safety, effectiveness, and other attributes relating to nanomaterials. The government does not consider all products of nanotechnology to be intrinsically benign or harmful (Carruth, & Goldstein, 2013). This could be the motivation that makes the government invest in nanotechnologies. Scientific methods are recorded to be used in assessing the suitability and safety of nanotechnology products. The government has shown the intention to have policies for each product area such as substance and procedures used in the production of nanotechnology products ((Friis, 2012). These recommendations are essential for migrating risks associated with nanotechnology products. However, strict monitoring of the production would help reduce the risks of the toxic substance being discharged into the environment.
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Conclusion
This study has confirmed that nanomaterials are mostly toxic and they pose health threats to men and the environment. The components used in nanotechnology pollute the environment through carbon emissions among other forms of pollution. The elements released in the environment are nonbiodegradable and do not dissolve. Upon entry into human bodies, they enter the organs and never degrade. They cause complications to the main organs such as the heart, lungs, kidney liver among others. There is a need to effectively monitor the use of technology in the production of nanomaterials to reduce pollution and health risks.
References
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