Physico-chemical properties of tungsten (VI) oxide nanoparticles as determinants of toxicity and hygienic hazard for the health of the population and workers (analytical literature review)

The unique physicochemical properties of tungsten (VI) oxide nanoparticles (WO₃ NPs) determine their widespread use in human economic activities. It has been proven that these characteristics modify the penetration ability and toxicity of nanomaterials relative to their micro-sized analogues. This fact determines the relevance of developing measures to prevent risks to the health of the population and workers during the production and consumption of products, which requires systematization of knowledge about the mechanisms of toxic processes initiated by WO₃ NPs at various levels of the management of living things when they enter the body.

This review reflects the key physicochemical properties of WO₃ NPs that determine the toxicity of nanomaterials and their connection with adverse effects at the cellular-molecular and organ-tissue levels. The subject of the review was the results of original studies and data presented in safety data sheets over the past 20 years (59 of the initially selected 185 publications in the eLIBRARY.ru, PubMed, Google Scholar databases).

Systematization of data confirm the toxic WO₃ NPs potential to be determined by their small size, developed specific surface area, low solubility, hydrophobicity and high surface charge, which prevents agglomeration. These properties were established to ensure high NPs penetration through cell membranes, initiation of the production of free radicals and direct damage to macromolecules. Damage to cellular structures, mediated through disruption of gene and protein expression, leads to their death (apoptosis/necrosis). The development of molecular cellular effects has been proven to be transformed into systemic morphofunctional disorders: dystrophic and necrotic changes in the liver, as well as a pronounced inflammatory process in the lung tissues.

Conclusion. Systematization of data revealed a lack of comparative studies of the toxicity of WO₃ NPs and their micro-sized analogues under various routes and modes of exposure “in vivo”. Determining the critical determinants of toxicity and clarifying the pathogenetic mechanisms of action of tungsten oxide nanoparticles are a necessary condition for assessing the actual exposure load. The results obtained serve as the foundation for the development of scientifically based hygiene regulations and targeted preventive measures aimed at minimizing risks to the health in workers and the population during the production and consumption of products.

Contributions:
Zemlyanova M.A. – setting the problem, study design, writing of the text;
Stepankov M.S. – collection and analysis of literature data, writing of the text.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: April 28, 2026 / Revised: May 28, 2026 / Accepted: July 1, 2026 / Published: August 14, 2026

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