Ecological Drawbacks of Nanomaterials Produced on an Industrial Scale: Collateral Effect on Human and Environmental Health

H. Pérez-Hernández, A. Pérez-Moreno, C. R. Sarabia-Castillo, S. García-Mayagoitia, G. Medina-Pérez, F. López-Valdez, R. G. Campos-Montiel, P. Jayanta-Kumar, F. Fernández-Luqueño

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Currently, hundreds of different nanomaterials with a broad application in products that make daily lives a little bit easier, in every aspect, are being produced on an industrial scale at thousands of tons per year. However, several scientists, researchers, politics, and ordinary citizens have stated their concern regarding the life cycle, collateral effects, and final disposal of these cutting-edge materials. This review summarizes, describes, and discusses all manuscripts published in the Journal Citation Reports during the last 10 years, which studied the toxicity or the effects of nanomaterials on human and environmental health. It was observed that 23.62% of the manuscripts analyzed found no ecological or human risks; 54.39% showed that several nanomaterials have toxicological effects on the ecosystems, human, or environmental health. In comparison, only 21.97% stated the nanomaterials had a beneficial impact on those. Although only 54.39% of the manuscripts reported unfavorable effects of nanomaterials on ecosystems, human, or environmental health, it is relevant because the potential damage is invaluable. Therefore, it is imperative to make toxicological studies of nanomaterials with holistic focus under strictly controlled real conditions before their commercialization, to deliver to the market only innocuous and environmentally friendly products. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Original languageEnglish
Article number435
JournalWater, Air, and Soil Pollution
Volume232
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2021

Keywords

  • Ecofriendly
  • Ecological risks
  • Environmental pollution
  • Green synthesis
  • Nanoparticle
  • Nanotechnology and nanoscience
  • Nanotoxicology
  • Social welfare
  • Soil degradation
  • Sustainable development

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