Reactive Oxygen Species
(Free Radicals) and Similar Negatives of Nano-particles
When nanoparticles get
into our body’s cells, through inhalation or contact with our skin, they cause
the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS’s), also known as free radicals.
Free radicals and ROS’s are molecules or ions made by the incomplete reduction
(by adding electrons) of oxygen. When these molecules circulate throughout the
body, they can cause health issues such as inflammation, DNA and protein harm,
and oxidative stress (stress on the body coming from failure to balance
oxygen-intermediates and toxicity with normal healthy functions). Because of
their large surface area, these nano-materials can attach to the outside of
enzyme proteins and block them from functioning—causing catastrophic results
for the body.
In effect, the air humans and other organisms breathe is in danger of being
filled with micro particles that can infiltrate our bodies. Normal defense
mechanisms of the body are vulnerable to these micro assassins. Because these
nano aggressors are so small, when inhaled they can pass through the defense
barriers of our tissues and even make their ways to the brain. The potential
risk need not be stated. Such causes of these air pollutants include car
exhaust, nano technology production, use of Carbon-60 in designs and
manufacturing, and finally from other manufacturing procedures including
manganese oxide production from welding facilities.
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