Nanotubes Can Attack The Immune System
Inhaling carbon nanotubes can suppress the immune system, according to new research.
The findings raise possible health concerns for those working in the manufacture of the materials.
The alert follows earlier animal studies suggesting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may be capable of causing mesothelioma - a cancer normally associated with asbestos exposure. Nanotubes and asbestos fibres share a similar structure. 'In the new study on mice, researchers found that inhaling nanotubes affected the function of T cells, a type of white blood cell that organises the immune system to fight infections.
One of the take-home messages is you have to consider not just effects in the lung if it's something you inhale but also effects outside of the lung,' said Jacob McDonald of the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who led the work. 'These nanotubes appear to have an interesting, subtle yet significant response, systemically, on different organ systems that warrants careful consideration.' Writing in Nature Nanotechnology, the researchers said the main risk was to workers, not consumers, with anyone working in carbon nanotube production and processing more likely to be exposed to larger amounts over a longer period. 'Immune dysfunction is a concern for those who work in this industry,' they wrote.
In response to the earlier cancer alert, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said carbon nanotubes were 'substances of very high concern' and recommended a precautionary approach. Its March 2009 information sheet noted: 'Although there is uncertainty about the risks of exposure to CNTs, the regulatory response is to take a precautionary approach.' It added: 'If their use cannot be avoided, HSE expects a high level of control to be used.'
An added problem is that you may never know a product cointains nano technology.
As TUC Risks reports this week:
You may never know a product contains nanomaterials, because any mention is fast disappearing from product labels. Top experts addressing a meeting last week of consumer groups from the EU and US said some products containing nanoparticles do not mention this on their labels, while other firms are falsely claiming to have enhanced their products by using nanotechnology.
Dr Andrew Maynard, chief science adviser to the US Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson Center, has collated an inventory of products currently on the market that manufacturers claim contain nanotechnology. 'We have seen some companies drop the 'nano' claim while continuing to use nanotechnology. This suggests nanotechnology is going underground,' he told the Brussels conference.
Sue Davis, chief policy officer at UK consumer advocacy group Which?, said data are limited and expressed concern that companies are reluctant to engage with consumers on the issue. Davis called for mandatory reporting to combat the lack of information, as voluntary codes do not work.
Meanwhile,
Jennifer Sass of the US-based Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) said workplace procedures should be set to prevent exposure to staff and patients, and to prevent environmental releases. She added that regulators should evaluate the potential hazards of nanomaterials as distinct from normal scale materials.
You can download a HSE elaflet on the risks of nano technology from the E-Library Database using search word 'nano' here
Source: TUC Risks
