Nanotubes might pose health risks similar to asbestos, according to a recent study published in latest issue of Nature Nanotechnology.
Asbestos inhalation has been shown to cause the serious lung illness, Mesothelioma. In this study, a group of mice injected with long nanotubes showed lung lesions similar those caused by asbestos. A control group of mice injected with clumps of carbon showed none of these lesions.
This study presents the case effectively for cautious controls on the work conditions in labs and workplaces involved in the nanotech industry. At the same time, it reminds us that the scientific method is what enables us to learn about the risks and dangers associated with living and working at the edge of science. We can choose to use this information and enable safe controls at our science workplaces or be unwise about it and panic.
I might be biased but do hope that we take this information and make prudent choices about how we do our science.