Inorganic nanoparticles can be produced via chemical or physical processes. Chemical synthesis involves using chemical reagents (e.g. sodium borohydride) to act as reducing and stabilizing agents, while physical methods use high external forces (e.g.t emperature and pressure) to break down materials into nanoparticles. These methods produce toxic by-products that endanger living organisms and the environment. Further, the addition of precursor materials (e.g. polyvinyl alcohol causes) may be toxic to healthy cells when the nanoparticles are used as drug delivery agents. Further, studies have found that nanoparticles affect the functions of the heart and the vasculature.
Published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine
Note from Breathe Free Oregon: This article is included because nanoparticles are in many cannabis and CBD products, including smoke and vape. In some cases, they are added to increase solubility of the oil in water to enhance absorption in the body. Nanoparticles are also byproducts of smoking and vaping.