Carbon Nanotubes & Development of Pleural Mesothelioma

Carbon nanotubes are tiny carbon molecules that have a nanostructure and a length-to-diameter ratio greater than 10 million and as high as 40 million. These carbon molecules are widely used in nanotechnology science projects, optics, electronics and in the field of materials science. They are so popular because of their resistance to heat and heat conductor properties, extreme strengths, super light weight and their applications in electricity. As the use of carbon nanotubes grows, scientists are trying to study their uses and conduct tests on them. Scientists think that current uses of Carbon nanotubes can lead to the development of Pleural mesothelioma, which is a Cancer of the pleura or linings of the lungs. Scientists ask the public not to be too concerned about the effects of Carbon nanotubes as yet, however, they think the increasing popularity of the substance definitely warrants further research in to possible asbestos exposure occuring naturally from the environment thanks to carbon nanotubes.

The groups of people who are at most risk for exposure to Asbestos from Carbon nanotubes are lab researchers, manufacturers, vendors and other people who work directly with this substance. The image on the left is of methane molecules travelling through a Carbon nanotube. The molecules look like billiard balls because carbon nanotubes have slippery walls with luminal surfaces, so gas and water molecules bounce off these slippery walls and form the image of billiard balls. The image below on the right is the structures of single-walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT) that look like seamless cylinders with hexagonal graphite layers. Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs) may nest within each other to form multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), that look like Russian dolls. This application is shown on the image below in Part (c). Carbon nanotubes have excellent electronic, mechanical, and optical properties that has made them very popular for scientists in their research projects. Carbon nanotubes are therefore very popular in chemical products such as biosensors, hydrogen fuel cells, flat-panel displays, field effect transistors and other molecular channels.

What Kinds of Products Contain Carbon Nanotubes ?

Because they are extremely durable, very strong & lightweight, and due to their resistance to heat, carbon nanotubes are used in a vast variety of products, including sports equipment, medical apparatus, household goods and automobile parts.

i) Sports Equipment

Sports equipment such as tennis rackets and golf clubs contain Carbon nanotubes. Bicycle parts such as chains and pedals may also contain carbon nanotubes. Because carbon nanotubes are super lightweight, and are almost shock-and-impact resistant, they make for important add-ons for sports equipment.

ii) Medical Apparatus

Scientists are currently researching the use of Carbon nanotubes for use in medical parts & components. Such an example is Fluorescent nanotubes that will be used in certain anti-Cancer treatments.

iii) Household Goods

Carbon nanotubes are used in thousands of different household goods, including plastic cookware, light bulbs, computer parts, refrigerator magnets, other forms of Plastic and CD Roms.

iv) Automobile Parts

Examples of automobile parts that contain Carbon nanotubes include fuel lines, front & rear bumpers, tubes, among other plastic parts. In the future, car manufacturers also see the use of Carbon nanotubes in the interiors of cars, including car seats and headrests.