title: Carbon nanotubes introduced into the abdominal cavity of mice show asbestos-like pathogenicity in a pilot study.
abstract: Carbon nanotubes have distinctive characteristics, but their needle-like fibre shape has been compared to asbestos, raising concerns that widespread use of carbon nanotubes may lead to mesothelioma, cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos. Here we show that exposing the mesothelial lining of the body cavity of mice, as a surrogate for the mesothelial lining of the chest cavity, to long multiwalled carbon nanotubes results in asbestos-like, length-dependent, pathogenic behaviour. This includes inflammation and the formation of lesions known as granulomas. This is of considerable importance, because research and business communities continue to invest heavily in carbon nanotubes for a wide range of products under the assumption that they are no more hazardous than graphite. Our results suggest the need for further research and great caution before introducing such products into the market if long-term harm is to be avoided.
authors.forename: Craig A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Poland
authors.forename: Rodger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Duffin
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kinloch
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maynard
authors.forename: William A H
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Seaton
authors.forename: Vicki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Macnee
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Donaldson
mesh_terms: D034841:Abdominal Cavity / Q000473:pathology*; D000818:Animals; D001194:Asbestos / Q000633:toxicity*; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000633:toxicity*; D010865:Pilot Projects
chemical_list: D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D001194:Asbestos