Can nanoparticles cause health problems?

A new study by a team from the DEPM's MonCOEH unit, aims to uncover the adverse health effects of exposure to nanoparticles, in particular looking at respiratory and immunological problems.   

For this study, the investigators are examining those who specifically work with the particles in research labs, measuring their blood, levels of respiratory inflammation and skinprick testing for allergic responses, over the course of one week.

Nanoparticles are tiny particles over a 100 times smaller than the width of a hair. They can be found in a variety of everyday products, from cosmetics and sunscreen to mobile phones.

 “These nanoparticles are so small that when you breathe them in they bypass normal systems, and can bury deep into your lungs,” said the project’s co-ordinator Dr Mahjabeen Mazhar.  “They could then cause inflammation and other problems.”

The study is being run by A/Prof Deberoh Glass, Prof Malcolm Sim, Prof Michael Abramson and Dr Martine Dennekamp.