Is This the Down Side?

I recall something in a scientific magazine about adding buckyballs to happily growing algae in culture. 3 or 4 years back. Pretty soon the growth rate dropped dramatically. They are supposed to be inert but they also seem to cause problems. It is the way of the world to jump in rapidly to gain a lead and then "discover" that your research showed problems from day 1. Probably companys are burning bio results as we type. Anyway, we should be clear on why supposedly inert buckyballs kill things before releasing much more reactive stuff into the environment. (In my opinion)

Nanotechnology is vastly more extensive than just carbon nanotubes which seem to be a problem. There are micro-machines on a chip being developed that can process fluids to determine their composition and MANY other developments under way. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Of course, as research continues, there may be some discoveries that could have negative consequences. Look at nuclear energy as an example. And now it looks like it may become a necessary evil in the future. Who knows what the first fusion disaster will look like.

And yes water will drown you and Ultra Violate rays from the sun will harm your cells.

One of asbestos uses was for Kent cigarette filters. Fiberglass dust is not very nice to breath either.

Beryllium vapors will kill 1 in 3 with no way to tell which is the one. And your point is?

oh ya the sky is falling at several tons per day but it is mostly space dust.

There is a learning curve to any process and whether you take appropriate measures is up to you as a part of the company. Don't expect the bean counters to save you because that is not their job, they pinch pennies. Be a part of the safety development. If you feel unsafe find another company to to work for or start your own.

Brad

The major concern for occupattional health is the aspect ratio of the fiber ...generally anything with um measurements and a ratio of 5:1, L:w/h(diam) will be a problem...because the throat, bronchae can't move it out and once in...it will stay...because of the mechanical movement the fiber can actually penetrate the lung tissue and eventually lodge in the tissue betwee the lung and the shest cavity - ribs and muscle tissue where it will sit and eventually either concentrate other chemical or through mechanical irritation develop a melignat growth.

Nannotube of carbon by them selves may be very similar to abestos...BUT may also be MORE of a problem as they may have other carbon-related molecle attached...coal particulate 2.5mic. may be coated with SO2-3 and when inhaled cause sulfurous acid to form in the wet lung tissue...similar carbon fiber and nanotube may pick up tobacco-tar/nicotine, VOC, and especially BTEX (favored cleaner is activated carbon) which inhaled deeply will eventually cause problems. Control and personal protection are required.

TOM

Mice lungs are a tad bit smaler than human.

I am sure the compnasys that are going to spend millions on building them will take the right steps to keep them from being sniffed up and carried away by the workers.

I know I would.

It doesn't matter how careful and how much due dilegence is exercised, some lawyer will find a way to maek a buck off of it.

And a lower life form than a lawyer, the reporter, will pave the way with a big media scare that is wildly inaccurate.