Comparative study of respiratory tract immune toxicity induced by three sterilisation nanoparticles: Silver, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide

► Three typical nanoparticles can cause an increase in oxidative injury to the lungs. ► Nanoparticles can cause disorders in regulation of the cytokine network to the lungs. ► The phagocytic function of alveolar macrophages was reduced by nanoparticles. ► These nanoparticles can destroy cell membrane and cause cytotoxicity. ► The toxicity of nanomaterials with various properties was significant differences.