Holding Our Breath for a Test Rule for Carbon Nanotubes

Researchers recently reported new findings regarding potential occupational hazards associated with carbon nanotubes.  These nano-scale cylinders have a variety of forms (single-walled and multi-walled, coated and uncoated, and so on.)  They are widely available and used in a variety of manufacturing, medical and electronic applications.  Previously, much attention was focused on whether when inhaled, nanotubes could produce damage similar to that caused by asbestos.  A new study highlights an additional inhalation hazard: immune system suppression.  This comes on the heels of a notice from EPA that a test rule for carbon nanotubes under the federal Toxic substances Control Act may be proposed in the indefinite future.

carbon nanotubes, EPA, nanotechnology, nanotechnology policy, Policy, TSCA