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Whole-Body Nanoparticle Aerosol Inhalation Exposures
Published on: May 7, 2013
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An Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment to Support Grouping and Read-Across of Nanomaterials After
Hedwig M Braakhuis1, Fiona Murphy2, Lan Ma-Hock3
1Centre for Health Protection and Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
Applied in Vitro Toxicology
|November 8, 2021
Summary
This study proposes four hypotheses for grouping inhaled nanoforms (NFs) based on their dissolution rates. Tailored Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA) are provided to test these hypotheses for safer nanomaterial development.
Area of Science:
- Nanotoxicology
- Materials Science
- Risk Assessment
Background:
- Inhalation exposure to nanoforms (NFs) necessitates understanding their toxicokinetics.
- NF dissolution in lung fluids is a critical factor influencing toxicity.
- The GRACIOUS project developed a framework for grouping and read-across of NFs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate hypotheses for grouping inhaled NFs based on dissolution behavior.
- To develop tailored Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA) for testing these hypotheses.
- To support the safe-by-design development and risk assessment of NFs.
Main Methods:
- Development of four hypotheses categorizing NFs by dissolution rate: instantaneous, quick, gradual, and very slow.
- Defining IATA protocols for each hypothesis, specifying necessary data and laboratory assessments.
- Utilizing physicochemical properties to predict dissolution and subsequent toxicological profiles.
Main Results:
- Hypotheses link NF dissolution rates to toxicokinetic behavior and potential hazards.
- Instantaneously dissolving NFs can be assessed via ion read-across.
- Gradually and very slowly dissolving NFs require assessment of particle-driven toxicity, reactivity, and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- The GRACIOUS hypotheses and IATA provide a robust framework for respiratory toxicity assessment of inhaled NFs.
- This approach aids in decision-making for safer nanomaterial design and risk mitigation.
- Facilitates read-across for adverse effects like pulmonary inflammation, fibrosis, and lung tumors.
