Not all nanoparticles are created equal. Their potential to cause harm depends on their chemical composition, size, shape, and surface properties. For instance, carbon nanotubes can be particularly dangerous because they resemble asbestos fibers, which are known to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. On the other hand, some nanoparticles are designed to be biocompatible and are used in medical applications to deliver drugs directly to the lungs, minimizing systemic side effects.
