Dermal and ocular irritation and skin sensitization studies of fullerene C60 nanoparticles.

Context: Widespread production and use of nanomaterials have caused the release of increasing amounts of nanomaterials into the environment. The introduction of novel materials into industry requires safety evaluations as well as an understanding of the impact of the nanomaterials on human health, because the unique properties and size of nanomaterials may also result in unique health risks. Skin and eyes have the highest risk of exposure to nanomaterials, because deposition to the superficial organs has the potential to be a major route of exposure during the manufacturing, use, and disposal of nanomaterials. However, information on the dermal and eye irritation and sensitization of fullerene C60 nanoparticles is still lacking.Objectives: This study was performed to examine the potential irritating and sensitizing effects of fullerenes on the skin and eyes.Methods: The dermal and eye irritation study was performed using rabbits according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD...