Byrne James D, Baugh John A
University of Texas in Austin, 2600 Rio Grande St., Austin, TX 78705, USA.
Mcgill J Med. 2008 Jan;11(1):43-50.
Exposure to airborne nanoparticles contributes to many chronic pulmonary diseases. Nanoparticles, classified as anthropogenic and natural particles, and fibers of diameters less than 100 nm, have unrestricted access to most areas of the lung due to their size. Size relates to the deposition efficiency of the particle, with particles in the nano-range having the highest efficiencies. The deposition of nanoparticles in the lung can lead to chronic inflammation, epithelial injury, and further to pulmonary fibrosis. Cases of particle-induced pulmonary fibrosis, namely pneumoconiosis, are mostly occupationally influenced, and continue to be documented around the world. The tremendous growth of nanotechnology, however, has spurred fears of increased rates of pulmonary diseases, especially fibrosis. The severity of toxicological consequences warrants further examination of the effects of nanoparticles in humans, possible treatments and increased regulatory measures.
暴露于空气中的纳米颗粒会导致许多慢性肺部疾病。纳米颗粒分为人为颗粒和天然颗粒，以及直径小于100纳米的纤维，由于其尺寸小，它们可以不受限制地进入肺部的大多数区域。颗粒的大小与沉积效率相关，纳米级颗粒的沉积效率最高。纳米颗粒在肺部的沉积会导致慢性炎症、上皮损伤，并进一步导致肺纤维化。颗粒诱发的肺纤维化病例，即尘肺病，大多受职业影响，并且在世界各地仍有记录。然而，纳米技术的迅猛发展引发了人们对肺部疾病发病率上升的担忧，尤其是纤维化。毒理学后果的严重性值得进一步研究纳米颗粒对人类的影响、可能的治疗方法以及加强监管措施。
