Carbon nanotubes: Culprit or witness of air pollution?. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kolosnjaj-Tabi, Jelena; Szwarc, Henri; Moussa, Fathi
• Is Part Of: Nano today. Volume 15(2017)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 14
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Carbon nanotubes -- Particulate matter -- Air pollution -- Human lungs -- Lamellar bodies; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanosciences -- Périodiques; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2017.04.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-0132

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Particulate matter (PM) was exhaustively characterized in asthmatic children's lungs. Anthropogenic carbon nanotubes were rare but present in all samples. Optical microscopy (OM) cannot discriminate between PM and lamellar bodies. The implication of the presence of anthropogenic carbon nanotubes inside human lung cells must be urgently addressed. Abstract: The notorious PM2.5 (2.5 μm diameter particulate matters) that can reach human lungs, considered as responsible for most deleterious effects of air pollution, are now unmasked. Anthropogenic carbon nanotubes and other carbon nanoparticles have been unambiguously identified as the major components of PM2.5 in alveolar macrophages of Parisian children. Soot and diesel particulate matter have recognized detrimental health effects. However, information on the health effects of anthropogenic carbon nanotubes, which are the main components of PM2.5 found within human alveolar cells, is still lacking. While nanotechnologists are focused on applications with a profit, notably in the field of nano-biomedicine, the health effects of nano-particulate pollutants attract little of their attention. In an attempt to bridge the research gaps between cutting-edge nanotechnologies, environmental studies and biomedical approaches, this opinion paper attempts to inform the nanotechnology community about critical issues related to airborne anthropogenic carbon nanotubes. The question that has to be urgently addressed is whether carbon nanotubes are the main culprit or act only as nano-vectors of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other toxic gaseous pollutants.