HSE Issue Warning On Nanotubes

The UK government's workplace health and safety watchdog has called for 'a precautionary approach' to the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says it new information sheet, 'Risk management of carbon nanotubes,' was 'prepared in response to emerging evidence about the toxicology of these materials.'

The guide refers to a Nature Nanotechnology paper showing certain CNTs may mimic asbestos fibres, with HSE noting:

'While this research does not prove that CNTs will cause the same diseases as asbestos, it does raise the level of concern'.

A Friends of the Earth Australia report last year issued a similar warning on the similarities between nanotubes and asbestos.

HSE's information sheet notes: 'HSE views CNTs as being substances of very high concern. Although the recent findings only apply to some CNTs, we think a precautionary approach should be taken to the risk management of all CNTs, unless sound documented evidence is available on the hazards from breathing in CNTs. If their use cannot be avoided, HSE expects a high-level of control to be used.' The HSE guide also says: 'It is good practice to label the material 'Caution: substance not yet fully tested.'

Source: TUC Risks / HSE

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