Nanotoxicity and the Skin

As discussed in previous chapters, nanotechnology is a highly dynamic field in the twenty-first century. Nanoparticles are extremely small in size with a large surface area per unit volume [1]. They possess unique physical and chemical properties with many applications in various fields such as agriculture, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc. Humans are exposed to nanomaterials via ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, and vaccination [2]. Due to their very small size, nanomaterials can easily cross membranes and other biological barriers. Somehow, within the initial enthusiasm for nanotechnology, there has been limited awareness about the ‘dark side’ of these nanosized materials. Once these particles are internalized by cells, they can pose different levels of toxicity to the body. For the past few years researchers have studied the potential toxicity of nanosized materials.