Understanding the toxicity of carbon nanotubes in the environment is crucial to the control of nanomaterials in producing and processing and the assessment of health risk for human: a review

Abstract

With the development and application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the potential hazards of CNTs to biological systems and the environment are getting more and more attention. This review evaluated the effects of physicochemical properties of CNTs on toxicity and summarized the advances on the mechanism of CNTs toxicity. We also proposed the possible hazards associated with CNTs and harmful effects resulting from exposure of aquatic animals, bacteria and higher plants to CNTs in vitro and in vivo. The current knowledge and gaps on CNTs were outlined as a potential problem for the environment and human health. The current research gaps on CNTs toxicity were identified and the further studying focus was proposed, too. This essay concluded with a set of recommendations for the advancement of understanding of the role of CNTs and future challenges in environmental and ecotoxicological research.

Keywords: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs); Mechanism; Nanomaterials; Toxicity.