Researchers in China found a substance that may lead to mesothelioma. Developed to resist chemicals, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are used in textiles, manufacturing, electronics and optics.
Like asbestos, the MWCNTs may cause mesothelioma when inhaled. Rats at the Anhui Medical University College of Basic Medial Sciences were exposed to different types of MWCNTs during a 24-week span.
MWCNT-L, the larger of the two, spreads through the lung alveoli, where it invades the pleural lining and induces fibrosis. Other inflammatory reactions related to mesothelioma developed as well. The other, MWCNT-S, did not spread or cause dangerous symptoms.
Each year, 2,500 cases of mesothelioma are reported in the United States with 80 percent traced back to asbestos exposure. Experts worry about the latency period of MWCNTs because if it’s like mesothelioma, in a few decades cases of related to the nanotubes will grow.
Let us hope the results aren’t as potent in humans. Asbestos exposure ruins enough lives. Another substance in the mix is terrible to consider.
Source: Surviving Mesothelioma [Link]
