Impact of carbon nanotubes on pulmonary disorders attributed to occupational and environmental exposures

With widespread use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in manufacturing, the public is increasingly exposed to these materials being released into the environment, with concerns of potential adverse effects on respiratory health. Studies have demonstrated that exposure to CNTs initiates inflammatory cascades and oxidative stress. CNT inhalation challenge in rodents often produces granulomatous inflammation and lung fibrosis. CNT exposure causes TH2 asthmatic inflammation in animal models. CNTs are implicated in disrupting the delicate balance of extracellular matrix homeostasis, contributing to fibrotic remodeling. Limited mechanistic studies exist but epidemiological data suggest a link between CNT exposure and the development of fibrotic and granulomatous lung diseases. In this review, we will discuss the impact of CNT exposure on the respiratory system and how CNT can be used in modeling lung disease.