If inhaled, certain kinds of carbon nanotubes - the tiny technology used in a wide variety of applications - could increase an individual's risk of cancer, according to scientists. Researchers injected mice with nanotubes, and found that the super-strong fibers created the same sort of problems as asbestos.
This is a major risk. Carbon fibers (like asbestos) are inhaled and cut/imbed themselves into your lung tissue. This creates scar tissue that results in mesothelioma, which has no known survivors. Kinda weird we haven't heard about this and yet it is in everyday products. Especially considering how asbestos is treated these days... And how could a respirator stop nano-particles?? are these people using nano-respirators?? doubt it
Stay up to date on the latest news of the future of science and technology from your iPhone with full articles, images and offline viewing
Featuring every article from the magazine and website, plus links from around the Web. Also see our PopSci DIY feed
Share links with friends, comment on stories and more
In our December issue, Popular Science names the 100 best innovations of the year: bombproof wallpaper, self-parking cars, the fastest helicopter, and 97 more. Plus inventor profiles and videos.
Check out the best of what's new here.