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Published online 20 May 2008 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2008.845
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Carbon nanotubes: the new asbestos?
Calls for caution as nanotubes cause precancerous growths in mice.
Nanotechnology experts are calling for prompt government action to ensure that carbon nanotubes are properly regulated, after researchers discovered that some carbon nanotubes can cause precancerous growths in the same way that asbestos does.
Researchers led by Ken Donaldson of the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Inflammation Research, UK, found that in mice, long, straight, multi-walled carbon nanotubes can cause the same kind of damage as that inflicted by asbestos fibres when they are injected into the lung's outer lining, called the mesothelium.
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The world needs better battery technology in cars to reduce use of fossil fuels. Carbon Nanotubes seem to be the up and coming thing for 10X improvement in battery capacity. I hope Mr Donaldson's disclosure doesn't cost us this needed improvement.
Another weapon for the terrorists. After nuclear, biological and chemical weapons we now have a nanoweapon. Not the way I wanna go -- by inhaling nanodust and choking to death. Listening to George W pronounce the word `nuclear' over and over again.. thats the way I want to exit this world.
"Carbon nanotubes" is a second generation product of nanotechnology and thus it falls under molecular nanotechnology. Precision and control precisely defines the future run of molecular nanotechnology. To begin with we can talk about graphite and diamond. Both are products of benzene but their control point differ. Understanding the control points that control both sigma bond and pai bond differently in both the cases is the primary goal of molecular nanotechnology. In case of nanotubes the same principle is applied but the compromise is to be made with the molecules of the living cells while talking its aggressive nature towards living things. Is there a control point in between that can be controlled to begin with? Regards
The article is not new of its kind in citing that the carbon nanotubes are carcinogenic. It is a known fact that most of the materials relating to carbon are toxic. The scientists have to understand that before saying that the material is carcinogenic must review the extrapolation of results found in mice to humans. Without conducting the primate study & placing a headline that carbon nanotubes cause cancer is definately ringing bells for scientist novice in this field of the research. The functionality of carbon nanotubes is profound hence one must review the toxicity study completely and must be ongoing before placing it to humans.
Could there be a way of interspersing "fracture points" along the length of nanotubes, which would not normally affect the strength of the tube, but when absorbed into a living tissue, would be vulnerable to enzymes, and break apart?
Which is more important, protecting people or the technology?