Human inhalation exposure to iron oxide particles

Abstract

Abstract:In the past decade, many studies have been conducted to determine the health effects induced by exposure to engineered nanomaterials (NMs). Specifically for exposure via inhalation, numerous in vitro and animal in vivo inhalation toxicity studies on several types of NMs have been published. However, these results are not easily extrapolated to judge the effects of inhaling NMs in humans, and few published studies on the human response to inhalation of NMs exist. Given the emergence of more industries utilizing iron oxide nanoparticles as well as more nanomedicine applications of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), this review presents an overview of the inhalation studies that have been conducted in humans on iron oxides. Both occupational exposure studies on complex iron oxide dusts and fumes, as well as human clinical studies on aerosolized, micron-size iron oxide particles are discussed. Iron oxide particles have not been described to elicit acute inhalation response nor promote lung disease after chronic exposure. The few human clinical studies comparing inhalation of fine and ultrafine metal oxide particles report no acute changes in the health parameters measured. Taken together existing evidence suggests that controlled human exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles, such as SPIONs, could be conducted safely.

Oxidative stress markers are elevated in exhaled breath condensate of workers exposed to nanoparticles during iron oxide pigment production

“…There is very little information about potential risks of occupational exposure to engineered nanoparticles during production and processing; therefore this is a widely debated issue. Studies on the effect of occupational exposure to engineered iron oxide nanoparticles have yet to be published [2] and no biological exposure tests have been developed to monitor workers' exposure [3]. Similar to all nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles are associated with unique physicochemical properties that facilitate their use in novel applications.…”

Physicochemical Characterization of Nebulized Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs)

“…A recent review article summarizing both human and animal in vivo inhalation data on iron oxide particles suggests that controlled human exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles, such as SPIONs, could be conducted safely, and as such, marks SPIONs as strong candidates for application as aerosolmediated nanotherapeutics. (17) Nevertheless, it should duly be noted that despite clinical approval of selected SPION formulations for IV and oral administration, certain animal studies have questioned the biocompatibility of SPIONs and their lack of cytotoxicity following inhalation, specifically noting potential toxic effects due to macrophage clearance function overloading. (18) To the authors' knowledge, no controlled human inhalation studies have been carried out with aerosolized SPIONs, and as such, increased research is necessary to ascertain the biocompatibility of these nanoparticles before their application for human pulmonary use.…”

Lung Siderosis; a Review

“…Note that fumes from welding the steel contain the largest amount of iron [8]. Occupational exposure to the particles of iron oxide is not limited to the workers dealing with metals, miners and manufacturers of iron oxide, but because of other properties (pure color shade, the consistency and the ability to dye), the iron oxides are commonly used as pigments [9], widely used in construction, ceramics, paints, rubber, plastics and cosmetics, affecting other occupational groups [9]. Another aspect is the use of iron oxide as additives in fertilizers, catalysts, fluid markers, magnetic materials, absorbing water purification systems, biomedical imaging and therapeutic agents.…”

“…Another aspect is the use of iron oxide as additives in fertilizers, catalysts, fluid markers, magnetic materials, absorbing water purification systems, biomedical imaging and therapeutic agents. Through these, another group of workers are potentially exposed iron oxide powders [9]. Siderosis cases have been reported in the grinder bearing part made of chrome-vanadium, chrome-molybdenum and steel containing 98% iron, ~2% the above-mentioned alloys and 0.2% silicca [4].…”