Abstract
Engineering of nanosized particles provides new material properties due to large surface area, design and control of particle shape, and surface coatings. Toxicological properties of nanoparticles may therefore differ from bulk material. Developmental toxicity of nanoparticles may occur due to “traditional” toxicity, relating to specific chemical constituents, e.g., cadmium, and nanotoxicity, where adverse effects depend on particle properties. Placenta acts as barrier for some but not all nanoparticles, so direct developmental effects are therefore possible. Nanoparticles may not need to cross placenta or enter the maternal blood stream to affect the fetus. Thus inhaled nanoparticles may induce maternal lung inflammation and released inflammatory mediators might act as causative factors. Work on developmental toxicity of nanomaterials indicates some particles have potential to affect pregnancy and development. The true culprits of engineered nanoparticles might be functional impairment of the offspring rather than malformations and fetotoxicity.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology |
| Editors | Ramesh C. Gupta |
| Number of pages | 25 |
| Publisher | Academic Press |
| Publication date | 1 Jan 2017 |
| Edition | 2nd |
| Pages | 333-357 |
| Chapter | 19 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780128042397 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128042403 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2017 |