CNTs are similar in size and shape to asbestos and have the same biopersistence, and several studies on CNTs have focused on the carcinogenicity of these compounds and studied granuloma formation, fibrosis, mesothelial proliferation, and mesothelioma-like growth ( 13– 15). There are at least 38 commercial products containing CNTs on the market ( 12).ĬNTs pose a potential occupational health risk. It is estimated that 20,000 tons of CNTs will be produced by 2022 based on data from the Market Research Report ( 11). According to the Nanotechnology Consumer Products Inventory created by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Project on Emerging Nanotechnology, 1,833 nanotechnology-based consumer products have been commercially available to date ( 10). The unique properties of nanomaterials have been extensively studied in various fields, and for instance the incorporation of nanotechnology is expected to contribute to sustainable energy. Both SWCNTs and MWCNTs are popular nanomaterials for commercial applications and widely used in fuel cell designs ( 7), photovoltaics ( 8), and biomedicine ( 9). Based on the number of layers, CNTs can be classified as either single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Even after the introduction of asbestos bans, the mesothelioma incidence rates continue to remain high or even rise ( 5).Ĭarbon nanotubes (CNTs) were first observed by Iijima in 1991 and are characterized by their nanosized hollow tube-shaped structures ( 6). The latency period of MPM is long, ranging from 13 to 70 years after first asbestos exposure ( 4). Most cases of MPM can be linked to asbestos exposure in the workplace. The efficacy of current therapies for MPM is very limited thus, the MPM diagnosis almost invariably is a fatal one. The association between MPM and asbestos exposure was first identified in 1956 in Cape Province, South Africa, and was further confirmed by a multitude of epidemiological studies ( 3). Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive neoplasm with poor prognosis that predominantly occurs in the mesothelial lining cells of the pleura and is hence termed malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) ( 1, 2). Here, a comprehensive review of the characteristics of carbon nanotubes is provided, as well as insights that may assist in the design and production of safer nanomaterials to limit the hazards of currently used CNTs. CNTs have characteristics similar to asbestos (size, shape, and biopersistence) and use the same molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways as those involved in asbestos tumorigenesis. Animal experiments have shown that exposure to CNTs, especially one type of multi-walled carbon nanotube, MWCNT-7, can lead to malignant transformation. 4Department Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CanadaĬarbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanomaterials with broad applications that are produced on a large scale.3Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories and Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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