Carbon Nanoparticles: Occupational Exposure and Genotoxic Effects

Abstract

The field of nanotechnology is revolutionizing today’s era by being the fastest emerging field. Though nanotechnology is the boon to the society, the potential toxicity of these nanoparticles should not be ignored as they can affect anyone from microbes to humans. The main focus of this paper is the toxicity of nanoparticles because people working in these areas, prone to nanoparticles are at high risk due to its toxic property. There are several toxic nanoparticles but carbon nanoparticles seem to be the major threats. Present study is focused on carbon nanoparticles (CNP) due to its large scale production and its genotoxicity. In this paper potential genotoxicity of various forms of CNP like Carbon Black (CB), Carbon Nanotube (CNT) such as Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT) and Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT), Fullerenes (C₆₀), Carbon Nanofibres (NF) and Carbon Nanodiamond (ND) has been reviewed. The genotoxicity of these particles are discussed in terms of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) formation, Gene Expression, Cell Cycle arrest, DNA damage and chromosome abruption. By this study conclusion can be drawn that still much work is required to understand the genotoxicity of these carbon nanoparticles specially NF and ND. More study is required emphasizing mutation induced due to CNP. Over all, preventive measures should be implemented to overcome occupational exposure of these nanoparticles.

Keywords: Carbon nanoparticles, occupational exposure, genotoxicity

Cite this Article

Deepika Singh. Carbon Nanoparticles: Occupational Exposure and Genotoxic Effects. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology (RRJoT). 2015; 5(1): 9–26p.