Carbon Nanotubes: Shape May Impact Mesothelioma Risk

Like asbestos fibers, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are small enough to be inhaled or accidentally ingested as dust. Unlike asbestos, which occurs naturally and is mined for commercial use, MWCNTs are synthetic. These carbon-based molecules are shaped into concentric tubes which resist chemical corrosion and are valuable for use in electronics, optics, textiles, and other areas of manufacturing.

A new study contains more disturbing news for people who work in certain areas of materials science. Researchers have once again connected inhalation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma, a deadly cancer most often associated with asbestos.

All of the treated rats developed malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, which was confirmed by microscopic and immuno-histo-chemical evaluation. Most of these MWCNT - induced mesothelioma tumors occurred not only on the peritoneum lining the abdomen, but also spread into peritoneal organs, suggesting an aggressive malignancy.

The goal of the new German study was to identify possible carcinogenic effects of MWCNTs and to determine how the cancer triggered by these molecules compares to mesothelioma triggered by asbestos. The team injected different shapes and sizes of MWCNTs into the abdomens of 500 lab rats. A control group of rats received injections of amosite asbestos.

But, even though mesothelioma developed in all cases, there were differences in the time it took for tumors to occur. The researchers theorize that the differences may lie in the shapes and sizes of the MWCNTs.

The researchers report that, regardless of the cause, all of the mesotheliomas that developed in the rats were similar to each other and to human mesothelioma. The team concludes that all types of MWCNTs have the potential to cause mesothelioma, but that certain varieties are more carcinogenic than others. Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive cancer that is currently considered incurable. The new study appears in the journal Particle and Fibre Toxicology.

When was asbestos banned in US?

Even today, long after the fact, many people want to know the answer to the following question. When was asbestos banned?

On July 12, 1989, a final ruling was issued, by the Environmental Protection Agency, which banned the use of asbestos in the United States. This rule, known as the "Asbestos Ban and Phaseout Rule, "was overturned (in 1991) by the New Orleans 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

 Consequently (and at of the time of this writing) some products that contain asbestos are still banned. Others are not. Banned items include product categories such as flooring felt, rollboard and new uses of asbestos.

 Items not banned include but are not limited to millboard, disc brake pads, pipeline wrap, asbestos clothing, roof coating and brake blocks.
Since the Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t track manufacturing and distribution of products that contain asbestos, in the global marketplace, it is still legal to manufacture some of the items in the U.S. They must, however, meet the requirement of being clearly labeled.

 Furthermore, due to the North America Free Trade Act, there is a possibility that U.S. banned products may still be available in the U.S. This happens when items made in Canada or Mexico are imported here.


 Some people may be surprised to learn that asbestos occurs naturally. It is comprised of six minerals that all contain oxygen and silicon.

Breathing in the thin fiber-like crystals can result in adverse and often fatal illnesses that include asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The longer an individual is exposed to asbestos, the higher the chance of disease.


 In reality, asbestos has been used for thousands of years. It is assumed that early inhabitants of the area that is now Finland used it to strengthen cooking pots and utensils.

 Late nineteenth century builders and manufacturers began using asbestos in their respective lines of work, due to its strength and fire resistant qualities. At that time, it was commonly mixed with cement of some type and utilized as building or electrical insulation.

 It didn't fall under scrutiny, as a potentially lethal material, until the early 1900s when there was a noticeable increase in the number of cases of lung disease and death in many asbestos mining towns. The first asbestos-related death was documented in 1906.

 In conclusion, the technical answer to the question "When was asbestos banned?" only pertains to specific products. "As new and safer materials are developed, health conscious individuals can only hope that asbestos will be banned altogether.", told us from MYOVI.

What is asbestos

Asbestos is a type of material found in many buildings. It has been linked to causing very serious health problems for people. Even though it is a good material for keeping heat in it is rarely used in the construction industry anymore due to the ill effects it can have on people that are continually exposed to it. In fact it has been deemed illegal to use in many countries for about 20 years now. Efforts have to be taken to remove it from facilities that already exist.

It really does depend on the type of asbestos that was used though. The one that seems to be the most dangerous to both humans and animals is chrysotile. Those that work in areas with this type of asbestos or that live by factories that have it have been linked to lung problems and to tumors. The fibers in the asbestos are breathed in without a person knowing and therefore they may be exposed to it without ever finding out until they become ill.
Yet many in the construction industry aren’t happy with the image that asbestos has gotten in society. They feel it is a very good material to use for many projects. They want to be able to use a less concentrate of it so there with be fewer fibers in place. They believe it can be a cheaper way to get the same benefits for their projects. However, with the health risks that have been identified it simply isn’t going to happen.

As a result of the controversial issues with asbestos, fiberglass has replaced it for construction purposes. They also use organic fibers instead of the harmful asbestos to get the same results. Removing asbestos from buildings and replacing it with the new materials is very costly and time consuming. Those involved in the process have to wear a mask to help prevent the harmful fibers from getting into their bodies.

Some people have become so ill due to the exposure from asbestos that they are unable to go about their normal life. They have filed lawsuits against the companies in an effort to at least get their medical expenses covered. These types of cases can draw out in the courts for a very long time if the parties can’t agree on a settlement.

Attorney is MANDATORY when you have mesothelioma

For those that have been suffering due to exposure to asbestos, it can be a long road to recovery. If you have developed cancerous tumors from it you may never recover due to the amount of damage done to your lungs. You have a right to seek financial and medical compensation due to it. This is especially true if the fact that asbestos was in the area was known but never disclosed.

These types of cases can be very long and drawn out in a court of law. It can take years to get the case resolved. To help speed things along you should secure the assistance of an attorney that specializes in asbestos related cases. They can help you get the compensation you deserve. In most cases they will be willing to settle for a percentage of what you get. Therefore if you don’t win the case you won’t be out thousands of dollars that you had to pay to the attorney.

Depending on the facts of the case, it may be possible to get an out of court settlement. For example if the asbestos was found at a place of employment they may be willing to settle to keep the media attention away from it. With so much information today about the link with asbestos and health issues, most of these businesses also know they will lose in a court of law.

Take your time to find the very best representation for your case. An attorney that specializes in this area will be able to help you get through the process. They will know what medical information you need and what you can expect. This way you can understand what the entire process is going to entail. You don’t want a basic attorney that will be learning right along side of you.

Always take advantage of free consultations that are offered out there. This way you can take some time to talk to an asbestos attorney. You want to find out if they think you have a case, fees, and how well they communicate with you. If you aren’t sold on what they have to offer then keep looking for better representation.