title: Focused actions to protect carbon nanotube workers.
abstract: There is still uncertainty about the potential health hazards of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) particularly involving carcinogenicity. However, the evidence is growing that some types of CNTs and nanofibers may have carcinogenic properties. The critical question is that while the carcinogenic potential of CNTs is being further investigated, what steps should be taken to protect workers who face exposure to CNTs, current and future, if CNTs are ultimately found to be carcinogenic? This paper addresses five areas to help focus action to protect workers: (i) review of the current evidence on the carcinogenic potential of CNTs; (ii) role of physical and chemical properties related to cancer development; (iii) CNT doses associated with genotoxicity in vitro and in vivo; (iv) workplace exposures to CNT; and (v) specific risk management actions needed to protect workers.
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. pschulte@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Schulte
authors.forename: Eileen D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Kuempel
authors.forename: Ralph D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Zumwalde
authors.forename: Charles L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Geraci
authors.forename: Mary K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Schubauer-Berigan
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Castranova
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hodson
authors.forename: Vladimir
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Murashov
authors.forename: Matthew M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Dahm
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ellenbecker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004249:DNA Damage; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012308:Risk Management
chemical_list: D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon