The interaction of nano-particles derived from ceramic objects and handicrafts with the human body has been investigated with a particular emphasis to defense mechanisms. Macrophage (professional) and epithelial (non-professional) cells were exposed in vitro to TiO2, SiO2, or ZrO2 nano-particles, and their vitality and inflammatory/immune activation checked. All nano-particles showed effects on cell activation, although different in nature and extent. In particular, SiO2 nano-particles directly induced significant inflammatory activation of macrophages, as judged by production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha and TLR modulation. Thus, it is suggested that exposure to ceramic nano-particles can contribute to the induction of inflammation-related pathologies.