Acute nanoparticle exposure to vocal folds: a laboratory study

摘要

ObjectiveAirway exposure to nanoparticles is common in occupational settings. Inhaled nanoparticles have toxic effects on respiratory tissue. Vocal folds are also at direct risk from inhaled nanoparticles. This study investigated the effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), a type of nanoparticle, on vocal fold epithelium and fibroblasts. These cell types were selected for study since the epithelium is the outer layer of the vocal folds and fibroblasts are the most common cell type in connective tissue underlying the epithelium.