What are the potential health risks associated with nanomaterials?
Nanomaterials possess unique properties due to their extremely small size, which can lead to unexpected health risks. For instance, the high surface area to volume ratio of nanoparticles can result in increased reactivity and potential toxicity. Inhalation of nanoparticles can cause respiratory issues, while ingestion or dermal exposure might lead to systemic health complications. The long-term effects of chronic exposure to nanomaterials are still under investigation, raising concerns about their safe usage in consumer products and industrial applications.