International Journal of Environmental Engineering and Management ISSN 2231-1319, Volume 4, Number 4 (2013), pp. 301-308 © Research India Publications http://www.ripublication.com/ ijeem.htm Ranking Carbon-based Nanomaterials using Cytotoxicity to Minimize Public Health Risks Jyoti Chawla 1 and Arun Kumar 2 1 Department of Chemistry, Manav Rachna International University, Faridabad, INDIA. 2 Department OF Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, INDIA. Abstract Carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) have generated a great interest in different sectors as they are stable, have limited reactivity, wide surface area, and are strong antioxidants. This study involves the ranking of CNMsand its derivatives on the basis of cellular toxicity as they are small enough to have the potential to enter the body and the detrimental effects reported are similar to those associated with asbestos. Literature review of toxicity studies was conducted to understand the effects of functionalization, size, solvents, light, length, etc. on cytotoxic effects of CNMs. Cytotoxicity of different CNMs with considerable differences in structure has also been compared. The information is utilized to prioritize CNMs used for different applications using cytotoxic studies. This analysis helps in identifying CNMs with high cellular toxicity, needing immediate attention for monitoring and regulation purposes. Keywords: Carbon-based nanomaterials; exposures; public health; ranking; emerging contaminants. 1. Introduction Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been reported to be present in environment (Kumar, 2012; Sundaram and Kumar, 2012; Chawla and Kumar, 2013).Among carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs), fullerenes and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) appear to be widely used and might pose health risks during their exposures from inhalation,