Ss66-04 Carbon Nanotubules: Potential Nano-Toxicological Risks in Workers' Health

Abstract Introduction Nanotechnology is a branch of technology which is based on the manipulation of matter on an almost atomic scale (1 to 100 nanometers). Workers' exposure to nanoparticles can cause negative effects on their health. Nanoparticles have been used since time immemorial to the present day in various areas and were first characterized in 1985 by Harold Kroto et al with the discovery of C60 molecules. Nowadays, carbon nanotubules are among the most studied and used nanoelements, which can be classified based on their composition and multiple physicochemical properties. Materials and Methods The systematic review was carried out through the analysis of the latest papers and international guides on nanotechnology. Pubmed and Scopus databases were used to identify studies leading with exposure to carbon nanotubules. References were searched using combinations of keywords based on the following structure: ‘exposure’ & ‘carbon nanotubule’ & ‘workers’ & ‘occupational health’. Results Many experimental studies in animals denote acute and chronic toxicological effects and suggest potential oncogenic and teratogenic effects after nanotubule exposure. The incidence and prevalence of similar effects have not been demonstrated in humans until now. Conclusions Carbon nanotubules represent the advent of novel elements that open doors to a promising future in industry. However, it is important to continue studying and researching the toxicology and potential negative effects of carbon nanotubules on human health as well as the establishment of international policies and regulations in order to protect exposed workers.