[Nanoparticle: a nightmare for the future]

Nanotechnology is a new discipline where 1-100 nanometers long particles are used, with an extensive field of application including physics, chemistry, electronics, energy production, biology, and medicine. Just as in every innovation, the effects of this technology and its products on environment and health are wondered. Lungs are the major port of entry and target of the nanoparticles in human body. This review will discuss, in the light of the literature, the possible adverse effects of nanoparticles on living beings and especially on respiratory system.