![]() The recommendations include reducing worker exposures to airborne concentrations of those materials to no more than 1 microgram per cubic meter of air as a recommended exposure limit. ![]() This work has had international implications, with the US's NIOSH recommending a new level of exposure for carbon nanomaterials (see Update - April 2013). The report notes that there are no studies demonstrating that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) cause mesothelioma. ![]() Hazard Statement: Suspected of causing cancer GHS – Classification: Carcinogen Category 2. Risk Phrase: R40 Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect With respect to the carcinogenicity of carbon nanotubes, the Information sheet summarises it as follows: 'Based on the limited data available on mesothelioma formation in animal studies and difficulty in conclusively determining whether a specific multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) can present as a fibre of pathogenic dimensions, the report recommends that all MWCNTs should be considered as hazardous and classified for carcinogenicity as follows in accordance with:Īpproved Criteria – Classification: Carcinogen Category 3, Harmful (Xn). The report recommends classification of carbon nanotubes as hazardous for repeated or prolonged inhalation exposure and for carcinogenicity. In addition, an information sheet Classification of Carbon Nanotubes as Hazardous Chemicals has also been published. In October 2012, a further report: Human Health Hazard Assessment and Classification of Carbon Nanotubes which it commissioned NICNAS to do. Tightly agglomerated particle-like bundles of carbon nanotubes did not cause an inflammatory response in mice. However, this response may be reduced if the nanotubes are less durable. Some types of carbon nanotubes can be durable, but others may also break down in simulated lung fluid.Ĭarbon nanotubes of certain length and aspect ratio can induce asbestos-like responses in mice, confirming previous findings. Carbon nano-tubes are already being used in a number of different applications. The report considered the durability of carbon nanotubes and the tendency to cause lung inflammation if inhaled, two indicators of potential asbestos-like behaviour. In June 2011: a research report, Durability of carbon nanotubes and their potential to cause inflammation. Safe Work Australia has done quite a bit of work on carbon nanotubes. Still unanswered questions are whether exposure to the material will actually occur, whether people can breathe it in, and if they do, whether these fibres can work their way to the outer edge of the lung and then cause an effect.įriends of the Earth has produced comment on the studies, and also interesting is a June 2009 article in the online magazine newmatilda. The study shows there is strong evidence that if carbon nanotubes get into the wrong place, they can cause mesothelioma. The results show that long, thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes that look like asbestos fibres, behave like asbestos fibres. ![]() The study used established methods to see if specific types of nanotubes have the potential to cause mesothelioma. The areas include toxicity and internal dose -determined heart and lung responses to nanoparticles risk assessment epidemiology and surveillance - developing guidance for nanotechnology employers and workers on how to implement OHS surveillance programs in the workplace engineering controls and PPE and measurement methods.Ī major study published in Nature Nanotechnology in May 2008 suggested some forms of carbon nanotubes could be as harmful as asbestos if inhaled in sufficient quantities. The report identifies 10 critical OHS areas and reports on the advancements to date. The NTRC was established to coordinate and facilitate research in nanotechnology and develop guidance on the safe handling of nanomaterials in the workplace. NIOSH's Nanotechnology Research Centre (NTRC), has also released an interim report Progress Towards Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace (Feb 2007). ![]()
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