Listed below are the ethical considerations of fullerenes and nanoparticles as a whole:

Human Health

• Due to their small size, fullerenes could penetrate biological barriers and accumulate in tissues. This is a new technology, and so we do not know the long-term effects of this.
• In terms of developing nanoparticles such as fullerenes, a thorough risk assessment needs to be completed, as well as strategies for management to ensure that they are developed safely with risks in mind.

The environment

• If released into the environment, the long-term effects of fullerenes are unknown and are still being researched.
• Their release into air, water or soil may be a potential risk to ecosystems.
• Management strategies and a thorough risk assessment need to be completed before handling fullerenes to minimise their environmental impact.

Justice

• The potential cost of fullerene drugs could limit access to those in desperate need of medical care.
• Everyone needs to be able to access these drugs, irrespective of location and/or social class. It’s unfair if not everyone reaps the benefits of nanodrugs.

Consent

• Patients should be informed of any potential risks associated with using fullerenes as drugs, and informed consent must be obtained. This allows them to make informed decisions aligned with their values, while also respecting their autonomy.
• Doctor-patient confidentiality must be kept. Medical data must be handled with care when using nanotechnology for healthcare applications.

References

Jan, N., Majeed, N., Ahmad, M., Ahmad Lone, W. and John, R. (2022). Nano-pollution: Why it should worry us. Chemosphere, 302, p.134746. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134746. (Accessed 24 March 2025).