IARC Announces Carbon Nanotubes Nominated for Review

Posted on June 13, 2008 by Lynn L. Bergeson
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently solicited nominations for substances for review in future IARC Monographs, which identify environmental factors that can increase the risk of human cancer. IARC states that it will select substances for review based on: (a) evidence of human exposure; and (b) evidence or suspicion of carcinogenicity. The 51 substances nominated include carbon nanotubes, which received three nominations:

Name

David Coggon

Principal affiliation

MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre, University of Southampton, United Kingdom

Public health reason for IARC to undertake this review?

Nanotechnology is developing rapidly with many potential applications. Evidence is beginning to emerge that nanotubes could pose cancer risks similar to those from asbestos.

Name

Jennifer Sass

Principal affiliation

Natural Resources Defense Council

If the substance was previously reviewed, what new information would lead to a change in the evaluation?

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT): Substantial animal studies report that exposure to MWCNTs by tracheal installation induces progressive, irreversible lung fibrosis that would likely lead to cancer. New data strongly suggests the potential for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) to cause lesions that may lead to mesothelioma. The potentially-widespread use of these new materials and allied potential for exposure and harm argue strongly for an evaluation of existing literature. Objective review of existing information is critical to support appropriate actions across the globe on this potential carcinogen.

Public health reason for IARC to undertake this review?

Widespread water contaminant.

Name

Paul A. Schulte, Ph.D.

Principal affiliation

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Public health reason for IARC to undertake this review?

Carbon nanotubes are likely to be used increasingly in a large number of products. Therefore, increasing numbers of workers may be exposed to them. Preliminary information indicates that carbon nanotubes may have similar carcinogens potential as other durable natural or man-made fibers.

To assist IARC in selecting substances for review, it is convening an Advisory Group to review all public nominations and to recommend those it considers to be of high priority. According to IARC, the Advisory Group “may also propose additional agents at the meeting for discussion and possible inclusion on their list of recommended priorities. In making their recommendations, the Advisory Group will consider near-term public-health priorities and recent research and research in progress.” The Advisory Group will meet on June 17-20, 2008.
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NRDC Report Claims U.S. Has Failed to Protect Citizens from Nanomaterials

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Lynn L. Bergeson
On May 15, 2007, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) issued a report entitled Nanotechnology’s Invisible Threat: Small Science, Big Consequences, which claims that the U.S. government has failed “to use its authority to protect citizens from the potentially dangerous effects of nano-scale chemistry.”

NRDC proposes a three-part framework for regulating nanomaterials, and based the framework on a precautionary approach to managing toxic chemicals:

  • Prohibit the unsafe or untested use of nanomaterials. Because preliminary data demonstrate the potential for toxicity, unsafe or untested nanomaterials should not be used in a manner that may result in human exposures or environmental releases over the life cycle of the material.
  • Conduct full life cycle environment, health, and safety impact assessments as a prerequisite to commercialization. Robust testing is urgently needed to identify potential risks early in development, across the life cycle of the material. The results of testing should be made available to the public.
  • Facilitate full and meaningful participation by the public and workers in nanotechnologies development and control; consider the social and ethical impacts of nanotechnologies. The potential of nanotechnologies to transform the global social, economic, and political landscape means we must move the decision making out of corporate boardrooms and into the public realm.
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