Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as promising technology in improving the health and quality of life of people worldwide. Engineered metallic nanoparticles are at the leading edge of the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology. These nanoparticles are nano-sized metals. They have unique physicochemical properties. Because of their properties, engineered metallic nanoparticles have a variety of pulmonary applications, such as diagnosis of pulmonary diseases, pulmonary drug delivery, effective treatment of pulmonary diseases and infections, and potential to improve pulmonary medicine research. Properties of these nanoparticles are also responsible for their adverse effects on pulmonary structure and function. The pulmonary system is a prime target for toxic effects of engineered metallic nanoparticles. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss various studies that reported pulmonary applications and toxicity of engineered metallic nanoparticles.