Particle Toxicology

Exposure to particles in industry and mining and from accidental anthropogenic sources constitutes an ongoing threat. Most recently nanoparticles arising from advances in technology are exposing a wider population to pathogenic stimuli. The effects of inhaled particles are no longer confined to the lung as nanoparticles have the potential to translocate to the bloodstream, the brain, and other target sites. The new questions posed by nanoparticles underscore the importance of interdisciplinary research and exchange and highlight the need for new collaborations among disciplines in medicine, toxicology, chemistry, and material sciences. Particle Toxicology brings together the state of the science in particle physico-chemistry, cell biology, and toxicology in a single volume. While organized around the classical toxicology paradigm of exposure - dose - response, the book is unique in its emphasis on mechanistic toxicology. Preparing the reader with a brief historical overview and a conceptual framework for particle research, the book provides reviews on the mechanisms and properties of pathogenic particles and their effects on target cells at various sites in the body. The text describes how adverse effects are a consequence of deposition, translocation, and the complex issue of “dose” dominates. Contributions from leading researchers address particle-associated pro-inflammatory effects and inflammatory signaling, cellular and extracellular oxidative and nitrosative stress, particulate interactions in the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems, as well as genotoxic effects. Exemplar particles include quartz, asbestos, particulate material and nanoparticles. The book also covers mathematical modeling and human studies as avenues for future research. Responding to the evolving trend of consumer applications for particulate matter, Particle Toxicology provides the comprehensive resource for current knowledge from which to develop new concepts to understanding particle actions, measurement, testing, and pathogenic exposure to fine and ultrafine particles.

Case Studies in Nanotoxicology and Particle Toxicology presents a highly-illustrated analysis of the most prominent cases on the adverse effects of nanoparticles and their impact on humans and the environment. This comprehensive reference demonstrates the possible risks imposed by managing and handling nanoparticles, showing the effects of involuntary inhalation or ingestion during their use and after their incineration. Through the use of numerous examples, readers will discover the possible risks and effects of working with nanoparticles, along with best practices to prevent these effects. The text is an essential reference for anyone working in the risk assessment of nanoparticles, including nanosafety professionals, occupational toxicologists, regulatory toxicologists, and clinicians. Presents real-life cases showing the potential risks to human health following exposure to nanoparticles An ideal reference for anyone working in the risk assessment of nanoparticles, including nanosafety professionals, occupational toxicologists, regulatory toxicologists, and clinicians Provides examples to help assess risks of handling engineered nanomaterials Advises on the best forms of protection and the safest nanotechnological products

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.

Particle toxicology is the field concerned with the toxicity of particles and fibers. The characteristics of different particles are investigated to determine their levels of toxicity and the pathobiological mechanism of that lethality. This enables the assessment of risks relative to exposures and the development of interventions to prevent progression. Historically, coal, quartz, asbestos, glass fibres and environmental particles have had a negative impact on human health. In the era of nanotechnology, nanotoxicology has emerged as a new domain in particle toxicology. Of all possible hazards, inhalation exposure presents the most concern with researches showing pulmonary conditions such as fibrosis, inflammation and carcinogenicity being the most likely outcomes of exposure to nanomaterials. Ingestion exposure and skin contact are the other major concerns. This book elucidates new techniques and applications of particle toxicology in a multidisciplinary manner. It explores all the important aspects of particle toxicology in the present day scenario. It will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in this field.

The inhalation of harmful airborne particles may result in adverse health conditions and pathological changes in the respiratory tract. It is often seen that noxious inhaled particles activate an inflammatory pulmonary response, which can initiate a sub-chronic or chronic pulmonary disease. These conditions may include silicosis, pneumonitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asbestosis, emphysema, fibrosis, asthma or cancer. The severity of a particle-induced pathology is dependent on the exposure time and concentration as well as particle size, structure and composition. Airborne particles may include combustion-derived particles from welding, cigarette smoke, traffic and industry, etc. as well as biological particles such as pollen and fungi. Research on particle toxicology attempts to investigate the effects of individual particles and sources. This enables better predictability of newly generated particles. In vivo toxicological studies screen for long-term effects in the respiratory tract. Such studies include the histopathological analysis of the lungs for investigating adverse effects of particles. This book provides comprehensive insights into the field of particle toxicology. The topics included herein are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. It will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in toxicology.

This is a rapidly expanding and highly topical research area. Written by authors and editors who are well known and respected in their fields, this text looks at the health effects caused by particulate aerosols, and discusses recent legislation and future strategies.

Airborne particles when inhaled, can lead to pathological changes in the respiratory tract. Therefore, toxicological studies on the effects of inhalable fibers and particles involve an assessment of the histopathological alterations in the trachea, lungs and the upper respiratory tract. The pathology of particle and fibre toxicology depends on the exposure source, duration, concentration and individual predisposition. Particles such as combustion-derived particles, engineered nanoparticles, ultrafine particles, silica, asbestos, etc. can induce an inflammatory response. There may be long term effects of chronic particle exposure, such as allergic airway inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fibrosis or neoplasms. The extent of tissue damage and pulmonary inflammation can be addressed and studied via pulmonary histopathology as well as diverse histopathological inflammatory parameters. This book unfolds the innovative aspects of particle and fibre toxicology which will be crucial for the progress of this field in the future. It will also provide interesting topics for research which interested readers can take up. It attempts to assist those with a goal of delving into toxicology.