Multiwalled CNTs have a wide array of applications, ranging from sporting goods to electronic devices. And while these materials have not been associated with adverse health effects in humans, research has found that multi-walled CNTs can cause pulmonary fibrosis and lung inflammation in animal models.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause multiwalled CNTs are increasingly used in a wide variety of products, it seems likely that humans will be exposed to them at some point,\u201d Bonner says. \u201cThat means it\u2019s important for us to understand these materials and the potential risk they pose to human health. The more we know, the better we\u2019ll be able to engineer safer materials.\u201d For this study, the researchers used atomic layer deposition to coat multiwalled CNTs with a thin film of aluminum oxide and exposed mice to a single dose of the CNTs, via inhalation.<\/p>\n
The researchers found that CNTs coated with aluminum oxide were significantly less likely to cause pulmonary fibrosis in mice. However, the coating of aluminum oxide did not prevent lung inflammation. \u201cThe aluminum oxide coating doesn\u2019t eliminate health risks related to multi-walled CNTs,\u201d Bonner says, \u201cbut it does lower them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Source: North Carolina State University, 3rd of October, 2014<\/a>.<\/p>\n