Nanotubes could pose asbestos-like threat

Scientists have warned that carbon nanotubes could pose the same health risks as asbestos.

Ken Donaldson, a professor at the University of Edinburgh, believes that they behave the same way as asbestos and has urged the Health and Safety Executive to take appropriate measures, the Guardian reports.

Carbon nanotubes are used in car body panels, tennis rackets and bike frames and are embedded in composite materials to provide strength.

However, scientists are concerned that once such products are broken up, humans may be exposed in the same way they were to asbestos before the dangers of it were fully understood.

"Nanotubes behave like asbestos in the sense that long ones are harmful, short ones aren't, and that exposure to some sorts of carbon nanotubes could carry a risk," Mr Donaldson told the newspaper.

He went on to add that those who work in the manufacture of the substance are most at risk.

Carbon nanotubes are 10,000 times thinner than human hair.