Dangers of Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes are, as they sound, tube shaped pieces of carbon with their diameters being on the nano scale. They may vary in

• Structure 
• Length
• Thickness
• Number of layers

  The nanotubes are also extremely strong, yet surprisingly flexible. They act as metals and are semiconductors. When pulled, the tubes form a extremely strong thread-like string that is flexible and hard to break. Discovery gives 10 great examples for the potential uses of this revolutionary material.

Unfortunately now, studies are showing that these mind-boggling new materials could lead to lung cancer. The nanotubes whose structure is like asbestos is behaving like asbestos. They are thin enough where they can penetrate into the lungs and are strong enough where the body will not be able to get rid of them. The good thing is that researchers know that this certain variation of structure and length is dangerous, and can regulate this type. Currently there are no known negative side effects from other variations.



References:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520144004.htm
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=carbon-nanotube-danger
http://www.nanocyl.com/CNT-Expertise-Centre/Carbon-Nanotubes
http://dsc.discovery.com/technology/tech-10/carbon-nanotubes-uses.html