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Farcas MT, McKinney W, Mandler WK, Knepp AK, Battelli L, Friend SA, Stefaniak AB, Service S, Kashon M, LeBouf RF, Thomas TA, Matheson J, Qian Y. Pulmonary evaluation of whole-body inhalation exposure of polycarbonate (PC) filament 3D printer emissions in rats. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2024; 87:325-341. [PMID: 38314584 PMCID: PMC11208878 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2024.2311170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
During fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing with polycarbonate (PC) filament, a release of ultrafine particles (UFPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) occurs. This study aimed to determine PC filament printing emission-induced toxicity in rats via whole-body inhalation exposure. Male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to a single concentration (0.529 mg/m3, 40 nm mean diameter) of the 3D PC filament emissions in a time-course via whole body inhalation for 1, 4, 8, 15, and 30 days (4 hr/day, 4 days/week), and sacrificed 24 hr after the last exposure. Following exposures, rats were assessed for pulmonary and systemic responses. To determine pulmonary injury, total protein and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, surfactant proteins A and D, total as well as lavage fluid differential cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were examined, as well as histopathological analysis of lung and nasal passages was performed. To determine systemic injury, hematological differentials, and blood biomarkers of muscle, metabolic, renal, and hepatic functions were also measured. Results showed that inhalation exposure induced no marked pulmonary or systemic toxicity in rats. In conclusion, inhalation exposure of rats to a low concentration of PC filament emissions produced no significant pulmonary or systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana T. Farcas
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Morgantown, WV, USA
- Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of
Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Walter McKinney
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - W. Kyle Mandler
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Alycia K. Knepp
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Lori Battelli
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Sherri A Friend
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - Samantha Service
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Michael Kashon
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ryan F. LeBouf
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Treye A. Thomas
- Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction, U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Joanna Matheson
- Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction, U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Yong Qian
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
Morgantown, WV, USA
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2
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Romeo D, Clement P, Wick P. Release and toxicity assessment of carbon nanomaterial reinforced polymers during the use and end-of-life phases: A comparative review. NANOIMPACT 2023; 31:100477. [PMID: 37499755 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The research on carbon-based nanomaterial (C-NM) composites has increased in the last two decades. This family of functional materials shows outstanding mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, and are being used in a variety of applications. An important challenge remains before C-NM can be fully integrated in our production industries and our lives: to assess the release of debris during production, use, and misuse of composites and the effect they may have on the environment and on human health. During their lifecycle, composites materials can be subjected to a variety of stresses which may release particles from the macroscopic range to the nanoscale. In this review, the release of debris due to abrasion, weathering and combustion as well as their toxicity is evaluated for the three most used C-NM: Carbon Black, Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene-related materials. The goal is to stimulate a Safe-By-Design approach by guiding the selection of carbon nano-fillers for specific applications based of safety and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daina Romeo
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen 9014, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Clement
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen 9014, Switzerland
| | - Peter Wick
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen 9014, Switzerland.
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3
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Damilos S, Saliakas S, Kokkinopoulos I, Karayannis P, Karamitrou M, Trompeta AF, Charitidis C, Koumoulos EP. Occupational Safety Analysis for COVID-Instigated Repurposed Manufacturing Lines: Use of Nanomaterials in Injection Moulding. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14122418. [PMID: 35745994 PMCID: PMC9228191 DOI: 10.3390/polym14122418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic instigated massive production of critical medical supplies and personal protective equipment. Injection moulding (IM) is considered the most prominent thermoplastic part manufacturing technique, offering the use of a large variety of feedstocks and rapid production capacity. Within the context of the European Commission-funded imPURE project, the benefits of IM have been exploited in repurposed IM lines to accommodate the use of nanocomposites and introduce the unique properties of nanomaterials. However, these amendments in the manufacturing lines highlighted the need for targeted and thorough occupational risk analysis due to the potential exposure of workers to airborne nanomaterials and fumes, as well as the introduction of additional occupational hazards. In this work, a safety-oriented failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) was implemented to evaluate the main hazards in repurposed IM lines using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) matrix and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as additives. Twenty-eight failure modes were identified, with the upper quartile including the seven failure modes presenting the highest risk priority numbers (RPN), signifying a need for immediate control action. Additionally, a nanosafety control-banding tool allowed hazard classification and the identification of control actions required for mitigation of occupation risks due to the released airborne silver nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Damilos
- Innovation in Research & Engineering Solutions (IRES), 1780 Wemmel, Belgium; (S.D.); (S.S.); (I.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Stratos Saliakas
- Innovation in Research & Engineering Solutions (IRES), 1780 Wemmel, Belgium; (S.D.); (S.S.); (I.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Ioannis Kokkinopoulos
- Innovation in Research & Engineering Solutions (IRES), 1780 Wemmel, Belgium; (S.D.); (S.S.); (I.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Panagiotis Karayannis
- Innovation in Research & Engineering Solutions (IRES), 1780 Wemmel, Belgium; (S.D.); (S.S.); (I.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Melpo Karamitrou
- Research Lab of Advanced, Composites, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology (R-NanoLab), School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographos, 15780 Athens, Greece; (M.K.); (A.-F.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Aikaterini-Flora Trompeta
- Research Lab of Advanced, Composites, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology (R-NanoLab), School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographos, 15780 Athens, Greece; (M.K.); (A.-F.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Costas Charitidis
- Research Lab of Advanced, Composites, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology (R-NanoLab), School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographos, 15780 Athens, Greece; (M.K.); (A.-F.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Elias P. Koumoulos
- Innovation in Research & Engineering Solutions (IRES), 1780 Wemmel, Belgium; (S.D.); (S.S.); (I.K.); (P.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Attard TL. Bulk Energy Transferability Linked to Critical N–H Modes of an Interfacial Nanoscale Surface Modification via Unique Isophorone Diisocyanate Amine Exchange Reaction. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.202000343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L. Attard
- PowerPolymer LLC 8888 E. Quail Cove Ln. Gold Canyon AZ 85118 USA
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Carbon nanotube filler enhances incinerated thermoplastics-induced cytotoxicity and metabolic disruption in vitro. Part Fibre Toxicol 2020; 17:40. [PMID: 32787867 PMCID: PMC7424660 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-020-00371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Engineered nanomaterials are increasingly being incorporated into synthetic materials as fillers and additives. The potential pathological effects of end-of-lifecycle recycling and disposal of virgin and nano-enabled composites have not been adequately addressed, particularly following incineration. The current investigation aims to characterize the cytotoxicity of incinerated virgin thermoplastics vs. incinerated nano-enabled thermoplastic composites on two in vitro pulmonary models. Ultrafine particles released from thermally decomposed virgin polycarbonate or polyurethane, and their carbon nanotube (CNT)-enabled composites were collected and used for acute in vitro exposure to primary human small airway epithelial cell (pSAEC) and human bronchial epithelial cell (Beas-2B) models. Post-exposure, both cell lines were assessed for cytotoxicity, proliferative capacity, intracellular ROS generation, genotoxicity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Results The treated Beas-2B cells demonstrated significant dose-dependent cellular responses, as well as parent matrix-dependent and CNT-dependent sensitivity. Cytotoxicity, enhancement in reactive oxygen species, and dissipation of ΔΨm caused by incinerated polycarbonate were significantly more potent than polyurethane analogues, and CNT filler enhanced the cellular responses compared to the incinerated parent particles. Such effects observed in Beas-2B were generally higher in magnitude compared to pSAEC at treatments examined, which was likely attributable to differences in respective lung cell types. Conclusions Whilst the effect of the treatments on the distal respiratory airway epithelia remains limited in interpretation, the current in vitro respiratory bronchial epithelia model demonstrated profound sensitivity to the test particles at depositional doses relevant for occupational cohorts.
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Research and Development in Carbon Fibers and Advanced High-Performance Composites Supply Chain in Europe: A Roadmap for Challenges and the Industrial Uptake. JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/jcs3030086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Structural materials, typically based on metal, have been gradually substituted by high-performance composites based on carbon fibers, embedded in a polymer matrix, due to their potential to provide lighter, stronger, and more durable solutions. In the last decades, the composites industry has witnessed a sustained growth, especially due to diffusion of these materials in key markets, such as the construction, wind energy, aeronautics, and automobile sectors. Carbon fibers are, by far, the most widely used fiber in high-performance applications. This important technology has huge potential for the future and it is expected to have a significant impact in the manufacturing industry within Europe and, therefore, coordination and strategic roadmapping actions are required. To lead a further drive to develop the potential of composites into new sectors, it is important to establish strategic roadmapping actions, including the development of business and cost models, supply chains implementation, and development, suitability for high volume markets and addressing technology management. Europe already has a vibrant and competitive composites industry that is supported by several research centers, but for its positioning in a forefront position in this technology, further challenges are still required to be addressed.
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Deep Airway Inflammation and Respiratory Disorders in Nanocomposite Workers. NANOMATERIALS 2018; 8:nano8090731. [PMID: 30223600 PMCID: PMC6164906 DOI: 10.3390/nano8090731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Thousands of researchers and workers worldwide are employed in nanocomposites manufacturing, yet little is known about their respiratory health. Aerosol exposures were characterized using real time and integrated instruments. Aerosol mass concentration ranged from 0.120 mg/m3 to 1.840 mg/m3 during nanocomposite machining processes; median particle number concentration ranged from 4.8 × 104 to 5.4 × 105 particles/cm3. The proportion of nanoparticles varied by process from 40 to 95%. Twenty employees, working in nanocomposite materials research were examined pre-shift and post-shift using spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in parallel with 21 controls. Pro-inflammatory leukotrienes (LT) type B4, C4, D4, and E4; tumor necrosis factor (TNF); interleukins; and anti-inflammatory lipoxins (LXA4 and LXB4) were analyzed in their exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Chronic bronchitis was present in 20% of researchers, but not in controls. A significant decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) was found in researchers post-shift (p ˂ 0.05). Post-shift EBC samples were higher for TNF (p ˂ 0.001), LTB4 (p ˂ 0.001), and LTE4 (p ˂ 0.01) compared with controls. Nanocomposites production was associated with LTB4 (p ˂ 0.001), LTE4 (p ˂ 0.05), and TNF (p ˂ 0.001), in addition to pre-shift LTD4 and LXB4 (both p ˂ 0.05). Spirometry documented minor, but significant, post-shift lung impairment. TNF and LTB4 were the most robust markers of biological effects. Proper ventilation and respiratory protection are required during nanocomposites processing.
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Pelclova D, Zdimal V, Schwarz J, Dvorackova S, Komarc M, Ondracek J, Kostejn M, Kacer P, Vlckova S, Fenclova Z, Popov A, Lischkova L, Zakharov S, Bello D. Markers of Oxidative Stress in the Exhaled Breath Condensate of Workers Handling Nanocomposites. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 8:E611. [PMID: 30103442 PMCID: PMC6116291 DOI: 10.3390/nano8080611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Researchers in nanocomposite processing may inhale a variety of chemical agents, including nanoparticles. This study investigated airway oxidative stress status in the exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Nineteen employees (42.4 ± 11.4 y/o), working in nanocomposites research for 18.0 ± 10.3 years were examined pre-shift and post-shift on a random workday, together with nineteen controls (45.5 ± 11.7 y/o). Panels of oxidative stress biomarkers derived from lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins were analyzed in the EBC. Aerosol exposures were monitored during three major nanoparticle generation operations: smelting and welding (workshop 1) and nanocomposite machining (workshop 2) using a suite of real-time and integrated instruments. Mass concentrations during these operations were 0.120, 1.840, and 0.804 mg/m³, respectively. Median particle number concentrations were 4.8 × 10⁴, 1.3 × 10⁵, and 5.4 × 10⁵ particles/cm³, respectively. Nanoparticles accounted for 95, 40, and 61%, respectively, with prevailing Fe and Mn. All markers of nucleic acid and protein oxidation, malondialdehyde, and aldehydes C₆⁻C13 were elevated, already in the pre-shift samples relative to controls in both workshops. Significant post-shift elevations were documented in lipid oxidation markers. Significant associations were found between working in nanocomposite synthesis and EBC biomarkers. More research is needed to understand the contribution of nanoparticles from nanocomposite processing in inducing oxidative stress, relative to other co-exposures generated during welding, smelting, and secondary oxidation processes, in these workshops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pelclova
- Department of Occupational Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Na Bojisti 1, 128 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Vladimir Zdimal
- Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, Rozvojová 1/135, 165 02 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Jaroslav Schwarz
- Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, Rozvojová 1/135, 165 02 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Stepanka Dvorackova
- Department of Machining and Assembly, Department of Engineering Technology, Department of Material Science, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University in Liberec, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Studentská 1402/2, 461 17 Liberec, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Komarc
- Institute of Biophysics and Informatics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Salmovská 1, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, José Martího 31, 162 52 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Jakub Ondracek
- Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, Rozvojová 1/135, 165 02 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Kostejn
- Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, Rozvojová 1/135, 165 02 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Kacer
- Biocev, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Stepanka Vlckova
- Department of Occupational Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Na Bojisti 1, 128 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Zdenka Fenclova
- Department of Occupational Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Na Bojisti 1, 128 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Alexey Popov
- Department of Machining and Assembly, Department of Engineering Technology, Department of Material Science, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University in Liberec, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Studentská 1402/2, 461 17 Liberec, Czech Republic.
| | - Lucie Lischkova
- Department of Occupational Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Na Bojisti 1, 128 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Sergey Zakharov
- Department of Occupational Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Na Bojisti 1, 128 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Dhimiter Bello
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, Lowell, MA 01854, USA.
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Singh D, Schifman LA, Watson-Wright C, Sotiriou GA, Oyanedel-Craver V, Wohlleben W, Demokritou P. Nanofiller Presence Enhances Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Profile on Nanoparticles Released during Thermal Decomposition of Nano-enabled Thermoplastics: Potential Environmental Health Implications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:5222-5232. [PMID: 28397486 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b06448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Nano-enabled products are ultimately destined to reach end-of-life with an important fraction undergoing thermal degradation through waste incineration or accidental fires. Although previous studies have investigated the physicochemical properties of released lifecycle particulate matter (called LCPM) from thermal decomposition of nano-enabled thermoplastics, critical questions about the effect of nanofiller on the chemical composition of LCPM still persist. Here, we investigate the potential nanofiller effects on the profiles of 16 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorbed on LCPM from thermal decomposition of nano-enabled thermoplastics. We found that nanofiller presence in thermoplastics significantly enhances not only the total PAH concentration in LCPM but most importantly also the high molecular weight (HMW, 4-6 ring) PAHs that are considerably more toxic than the low molecular weight (LMW, 2-3 ring) PAHs. This nano-specific effect was also confirmed during in vitro cellular toxicological evaluation of LCPM for the case of polyurethane thermoplastic enabled with carbon nanotubes (PU-CNT). LCPM from PU-CNT shows significantly higher cytotoxicity compared to PU which could be attributed to its higher HMW PAH concentration. These findings are crucial and make the case that nanofiller presence in thermoplastics can significantly affect the physicochemical and toxicological properties of LCPM released during thermal decomposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilpreet Singh
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University , 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Laura Arabella Schifman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Rhode Island , 1 Lippitt Road, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Christa Watson-Wright
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University , 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Georgios A Sotiriou
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University , 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Vinka Oyanedel-Craver
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Rhode Island , 1 Lippitt Road, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | | | - Philip Demokritou
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University , 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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