Response to Letter to the Editor

Abstract

We have serious concerns about the above paper, given the sensitivity of the issue of the potential risks from nan otubes. The paper claims to demonstrate that nanotubes have the potential to cause mesothelioma but we take issue with this in three main aspects.

Review: Carbon nanotube based electrochemical sensors for biomolecules

“…These studies find that CNTs aggregate together, generally in the liver, spleen and lung tissue. It has been suggested that CNT aggregates have similar carcinogenic properties to asbestos fibers [196][197][198]. Many factors modulate the aggregation and the effective clearance of CNTs.…”

Clearance of single-wall carbon nanotubes from the mouse lung: a quantitative evaluation

“…9 Because CNTs have a ber-like shape, similar to that of asbestos, there is increasing public concern that respiratory exposure to CNTs might increase the risk of lung cancer. [10][11][12] Moreover, the stable graphite structure of CNTs makes them resistant to biodegradation, increasing concerns about their long-term safety. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, 2002), lung brosis and thoracic tumors are oen observed when ber clearance from the lungs is slow.…”

Biomimetic Systems in Nanomedicine

“…Certain types of CNTs might induce mesothelioma-like lesions in mice, in a manner similar to that observed for mesothelioma induced by asbestos. 460,461,[462][463][464] Following peritoneal injection, long and multiwalled CNTs produce inflammation and fibrosis in the peritoneal cavity similarly to asbestos fibers whereas short tangled ones did not cause any significant inflammation. 461,465 Diameter and rigidity of multiwalled CNTs are critical factors in mesothelial injury and carcinogenesis.…”