Nanotubes of DEATH
We have all heard stories of past generations dying of asbestoses and getting cancer from prolonged exposure to it. Billions of dollars has been spent on asbestos lawsuits. Mass amounts of money is also spent on building sites to minimise asbestos risks. Most of us have also heard of carbon nanotubes, the new wonder of science that will enable human kind to reach new levels of greatness and literally new heights (Michio Kaku's space elevator).
The billion dollar question now is whether carbon nanotubes could pose a similar threat as asbestos does? This is the question scientists such as Doctor Andrew Maynard at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars in Washington are investigating. He says that further studies are a definite necessity. If longer strands of nanotube fibre becomes airborne (in manufacturing or destruction for example) it could pose similar risks as asbestos, said Ken Donaldson, professor at the University of Edinburgh. These long strands could become ensnared in the mesothelium, which is soft tissue that surrounds many of our organs. If this happens it could eventually lead to malignant tumors, which you do not want for it can lead to death within six to eighteen months.
There have been some studies in the UK on this subject in recent years. The studies support the potential threat of the carbon nanotubes. Still no conclusive evidence has been found to halter our dreams of visiting space in our super high tech, next level, space elevators.
Picture: top nanotubes, bottom asbestos from:
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ASBESTOS
ReplyDeleteI wished everybody would always explain metaphors they use...
ReplyDeleteReally. That's another dangerous thing. Asbestos is lethal though.
ReplyDeleteAsbestos doesn't kill people. Ferrets with perms kill people.
ReplyDelete