Nanoparticle pollution and associated increasing potential risks on environment and human health: a case study of China

Abstract

The aims of this study are (1) to discuss the mechanism of nanoparticle lifecycle and estimate the impacts of its associated pollution on environment and human health; and (2) to provide recommendation to policy makers on how to leverage nanopollution and human health along with the rapid development of economics in China. Manufactured nanoparticles (MNPs) could either directly or indirectly impair human health and the environment. Exposures to MNP include many ways, such as via inhalation, ingestion, direct contact, or the use of consumer products over the lifecycle of the product. In China, the number of people exposed to MNP has been increasing year by year. To better provide medical care to people exposed to MNP, the Chinese government has established many disease control and prevention centers over China. However, the existing facilities and resources for controlling MNP are still not enough considering the number of people impacted by MNP and the number of ordinary workers in the MNP related industry applying for their occupational identification through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. China should assess the apparent risk environment and human health being exposed to MNP and develop action plans to reduce the possibility of direct contacts between human beings and the emerging nanomaterials. In addition, we suggest more comprehensive studies on the MNP behavior and the development of quantitative approaches to measure MNP transport, and persistence should be carried out.

Mechanistic Study of Synergistic Antimicrobial Effects between Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) Oligomer and Polyethylene Glycol

“…Inorganic nanoparticles, e.g. nano-silver particles [2], have been verified to be highly effective to MDR bacteria, nevertheless this type of antimicrobial agents have potential threats to human health and environment [4]. Many new antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides have been developed for dealing with continuously-emerging MDR bacteria, but the developing rate of novel antimicrobial agents cannot catch up with the enhancement of antibiotic resistance of MDR bacteria through bacterial surface modification, protease secretion and expression of efflux pumps [5,6].…”

Antimicrobial Nanostructures for Neurodegenerative Infections

“…The existing chemical nanoparticles, e.g., carbon nanotubes, are also able to produce toxic effects (PourGashtasbi, 2015). It is argued that natural nanoparticles are not considerable as a new phenomenon because they come from daily human activities like mining, cooking, and combustion of materials (Gao et al, 2015). Nanoparticle studies have shown that they have some special properties, i.e., (1) ultrasmall-sized particles have extreme mobility and higher propagation in living organisms if not controlled, (2) they can create more toxic effects per unit compared to larger particles of the same chemicals, (3) they can be absorbed more quickly by cells, and (4) they move more quickly, contaminating the environment through air, soil, and water, leading to damage of plants and animals (Baalousha and Lead, 2013).…”

Effect of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles on the Chemical Speciation of Heavy Metals and Micronutrient Bioavailability in Paddy Soil

“…With the wide use of nanomaterials, large numbers of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are discharged into the water and soil system [1,2]. TiO 2 -NPs, ZnO-NPs and CuO-NPs are common metal oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) used in plant growth, cosmetics, surface coating and sunscreens, etc., and the biotoxicity and the environmental risk of these metal oxide nanoparticles has caused extensive concern in recent years [3,4]. For example, CuO nanoparticles caused a significant decrease in rice seed germination percentage [5], and 1000 mg L-1 ZnO-NPs could reduce the root length of corn and cucumber [6].…”

“…TiO 2 -NPs significantly reduced the toxic effects of tetracycline on rice in terms of its fresh biomass and levels of antioxidant enzymes [15]. Most of the studies about the effect of nanoparticles on heavy metals behaviour were conducted in hydroponic conditions, and only a few were conducted in soil conditions [4,[16][17][18].…”