Given the results of experimental studies, occupational or environmental
exposures to manufactured nanoparticles or to unintentionally produced
ultrafine particles may result in health effects or diseases in humans. In a
review, published in the Annals of Occupational Hygiene the authors synthesize
published data of experimental studies on the distribution of inhaled
nanoparticles and the first case reports to discuss the potential usefulness of
their biological monitoring for clinical purposes.

Toxicokinetic studies suggest that nanoparticles may be absorbed predominantly
by respiratory and oral routes with possible systemic translocation, leading to
accumulation in the peripheral organs or excretion in feces or urine. Some
methods used in these studies may be applied successfully in retrospective
evaluation of exposure or in follow-up of occupational exposure in the
workplace.

Biological monitoring of nanoparticles should be based on imaging methods that
are essential to confirm their presence and to characterize them in tissue
associated with analytical quantitative methods. The first case reports
reviewed emphasize the urgent need for the development of standardized
procedures for the preparation and analysis of biological samples with a view
to characterizing and quantifying nanoparticles.

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AplusA-online.de - Source: The Annals of Occupational Hygiene