According to a research, it seems that certain carbon nanotubes can cause major health problems whenever are inhaled. This may pose at risk the lives of many people, the most exposed being the workers in nano factories. The range of people being affected is huge, since this element is used nowadays in wide varieties of consumer products, such as electronic components, sporting goods, clothes.

According to Prof. Kenneth Donaldson, professor at the University of Edinburgh, member of the research team, “long thin structures of nanotubes show the same effects as long thin asbestos fibres.” The latter proved to provoke mesothelioma, a fatal form of cancer.

Whether the carbon nanotubes are or not toxic has been one of the most pressing questions in Nanotechnology. Several attempts to find a clear answer were made along the years. Tests on cells have so far proved to be confusing. Some of them indicated toxicity and others did not. The reason was the similarity between the nanotubes and certain carbonic cell elements, which made it difficult to trace the nanotubes’ behavior. However, a recent study led by Alexandra Porter from the University of Cambridge  show that once they enter a cell, nanotubes cause cell death.

The results of this new research show that not all nanotubes are harmful. Curly and shorter nanotubes do not create health problems, only the long thin structures do.

However, there are some uncertainties regarding the results. Brooke Mossman, leading professor in the Environmental Pathology Program at the University of Vermont emphasized the fact that the nanotubes were injected into experimental mice and not inhaled. Additionally, nobody can be certain that in realistic conditions the same doses are harmful.

Whatever the reply would be, one thing is certain: once people are aware of the possible nanotubes’ dangers, they “can work to control them.” (Prof. Donaldson)