ABSTRACT
Inorganic compounds and substances cover a large variety of materials that are useful in enhancing the quality of life for humans. The list of inorganics is very extensive, and it is very difficult to keep track of the many materials and the wide range of usage. The handbook of inorganic substances (2013) lists more than 1,00,000 inorganic substances or compounds that are used worldwide. These compounds are used in the production of a wide array of products from those used by consumers in the home, medical community, and industrial production processes. Inorganic compounds are those compounds that are not considered or classified as organic.
Inorganic compounds are also a component of the particulate matter that is emitted into the atmosphere across the United States. Inorganic materials in the form of nanoparticles are extensively used for diagnostic and drug delivery purposes. These materials have distinctive features that are advantageous in developing imaging agents and theranostics. It has been demonstrated that these substances can contribute to unexpected toxicities in humans. Inorganic nanoparticles can potentially cause damage on cells, genetic materials, tissues, organs and proteins because of their compositions and high-energy state. Although useful for a wide array of applications, inorganic materials can pose significant hazard to the environment as well as human health and well-being.
