Nanotoxicity : from in vivo and in vitro models to health risks /
| Other Authors: | , |
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| Format: | eBook |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Chichester, West Sussex, UK :
John Wiley,
2009.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Connect to the full text of this electronic book |
| Abstract: | Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing, emerging branch of modern technology. This new technology deals with materials of extremely small size, generally in the range of nanometres. The nanomaterials, with their extremely small size and high surface area associated with greater strength, stability, chemical and biological activity, find their wide range of applications in a variety of products in modern society. They are used in rapidly increasing nanoproducts, nanodevices, electronics, diagnostics and drug delivery systems. They are present in a variety of consumer products such as foods, drugs, cosmetics, food colour additives, food containers, paints and surface coatings. This trend is expected to result in an ever-increasing presence of nanoparticles in the human environment. Because of their extremely small size they are capable of entering the human body by inhalation, ingestion, skin penetration, intravenous injections and medical devices, and have the potential to interact with intracellular macromolecules. Because of their greater stability they are anticipated to remain in the body and in the environment for long periods of time. However, information on their potential adverse health effects is very limited at the present time. It is not known at what concentration or size they can exhibit toxicity. Therefore, there are obvious public safety concerns. This has led to the initiation of a new research discipline commonly known as nanotoxicology. |
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| Physical Description: | 1 online resource |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| ISBN: | 047074779X 9780470747797 9780470747803 0470747803 1282349562 9781282349568 9780470741375 0470741376 |