[Pulmonary toxicity of manufactured nanomaterials]

Abstract

We introduced the report on the pulmonary toxicity of manufactured nanomaterials as a national project in Japan conducted by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO project). Well-characterized and well-dispersed industrial nanomaterials were used in this project. Using multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), we conducted intratracheal instillation and inhalation studies. At a low dose (0.2 mg/rat) and a high dose (1 mg/rat) of almost individual MWCNTs, transient and persistent inflammatory responses were induced in the lungs following intratracheal instillation. Well-dispersed MWCNTs at a low concentration (0.37 mg/m3) did not induce pulmonary inflammation. Using single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), we also conducted both studies. At low (0.2 mg/rat) and high doses (0.4 mg/rat) of well-dispersed SWCNTs, persistent inflammatory responses were induced in the lungs following intratracheal instillation. Well-dispersed MWCNTs at low and high concentrations (0.03 mg/m3 and 0.13 mg/m3, respectively) did not induce pulmonary inflammation. On the basis of these data from mainly inhalation studies, the acceptable exposure concentration of carbon nanotubes is proposed to be 0.03 mg/m3 in Japan.