A study published in Nature Nanotechnology recently found evidence of harm to lungs associated with inhalation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The study, conducted by North Carolina State University, the Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences discovered that multi-walled carbon nanotubes, when inhaled, reach the pleural lining surrounding the lungs. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, reach the same part of the lungs and have caused mesothelioma. Researchers indicate that this study was too short to determine whether multi-walled carbon nanotubes would cause mesothelioma and state that additional study is needed to determine what causes the nanotubes to be toxic. Lead investigator James Bonner recommended that the nanotubes be treated asbestos fibers and that inhalation of these nanotubes be minimized, until more is known.
