Carbon Nanotubes Could Lead to Mesothelioma

Posted on March 24, 2009

A debate is heating up between Australian unions and scientists over the use of nanotechnology. Concern for workers’ safety arouse after a recent discussion on nanotechnology and occupational health and safety at the Parliament House in Canberra.

The discussion revolved around the risks associated with some nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes that have been shown to behave like asbestos fibres and be the cause mesothelioma in laboratory animals. Carbon nanotubes are currently used in a number of consumer products.

The UK-based Royal Society and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) have both called for the nano-versions of chemicals to be reassessed as new chemicals.

“There are lessons to be learned from the tragedy of asbestos,” said Steve Mullins of the ACTU, “When dealing with nanotechnology we need to look to the past to learn from the mistakes that we’ve made.”

The nanotechnology industry is growing rapidly and is predicted to rise from $32 billion to $2.6 trillion over the next decade. Groups like the ACTU are arguing that there needs to be more research into nanotechnology. Many are pushing for a public registry of companies that use nanomaterials and placing labels on all products that contain the potentially hazardous material.

Currently, there is no timeline to implement regulations and labels. A spokesperson for the innovation minister Senator Kim Carr says, “There are certain aspects of the regulatory system that will potentially need amending in the future, which will require a long-term effort across multiple government agencies.”

Still, scientists argue that there is not enough evidence on carbon nanotubes and it may be too soon to implement regulations. Mesothelioma is an incurable disease, mainly caused by exposure to asbestos. Symptoms can take up to 50 years to appear and at that time is often too late for any effective treatment.