Abstract
Engineered nanomaterials are increasingly being incorporated into a variety of technologies and applications due to their unique properties. In particular, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) hold great promise for many different industries. MWCNTs are made of carbon and have a cylindrical structure which can be synthesized with diameters in the nanometer-sized range and variable lengths into the micron range. MWCNTs have unique properties allowing for high electrical and thermal conductance, high tensile strength, low weight, and the ability to be manufactured with a variety of physicochemical properties and to undergo numerous surface modifications. Along with their vast potential, there is growing concern regarding human exposure and the possibility for adverse health effects. The primary route of human exposure to MWCNT is through inhalation in both occupational and environmental settings. Based on a commonality of properties including high aspect ratio and biopersistence within the lung, there is concern of asbestos-like toxicity following inhalation of MWCNTs. To date there has been sufficient toxicological evaluation in cell culture and animal models establishing the fibrogenic potential of MWCNTs. This chapter summarizes our current understanding regarding MWCNT-induced pulmonary fibrosis specifically examining current occupational human exposure levels, pulmonary deposition, susceptibility, and mechanisms of MWCNT-induced fibrogenesis. Further gaps in our current knowledge and likely areas of future study are highlighted throughout.
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Shannahan, J.H., Brown, J.M. (2016). Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-Induced Pulmonary Fibrogenesis. In: Otsuki, T., Yoshioka, Y., Holian, A. (eds) Biological Effects of Fibrous and Particulate Substances. Current Topics in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-55732-6_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-55732-6_8
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