14th Sep 2012 by 
The health dangers associated with Asbestos are commonly known to most individuals; the inhalation of Asbestos Fibres may cause lung cancer, inflammation, and a rapid deterioration of health, it’s a very serious condition originating from the toxic nature of ‘Serpentine Fibres’ found in buildings and commercial products. Less publicly known is the inhalation of Nano Fibres as they can be just if not more harmful than Asbestos.
The source of this research originates from the Toxicology journal which conducted research on Mice after Nano Fibres were injected into the lungs to consider which fibre lengths caused inflammation and resulting conditions in mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural thickening. Nanofibres provided the Mice with respiratory sickness. Although Mice and Human share different lungs; the research serve as a platform for the safer design of Nano Fibres in equipment found in many items including sports rackets and aircraft.
Concern over new kinds of Nanofibres was first raised by industry professionals and professor of Respiratory Toxicology Ken Donaldson at the University of Edinburgh who recently cited the concern over ‘The Nanotechnology industry posing a risk due to the fibres sharing a shape similar to Asbestos’. Donaldson’s research included the application of Asbestos fibre shapes for those larger than five micrometres could affect the mice and could cause tumours.
Having specifically identified the length of inflammation on Mice being’ larger than five micrometres’, we understand the exposure allowed for their lungs to respire effectively. Industry guidelines may in future be working from this knowledge in their exposure to people and fibres, therefore enabling the prevention of such deadly diseases.
Governments Health Organisations across the World believe serious Asbestos exposure results in a long term illness and cancerous disease which must be treated with professional health care alongside a prevention of Asbestos Hazards. These come from a variety of home dangers including water pipes and tiles, although most houses exposed would have been built before the 1960’s.
The venture into household equipment including vacuum cleaners, clothing and sporting equipment comes from the development of manufacturing and specifically Nano technology in this process. With research potentially falling behind in this area, we can be grateful that a report has documenting this research. To reiterate the words of the Professor of the British Lung Foundation who welcomed news of the report ‘Knowing the length beyond which tiny fibres can cause disease is important for the future safe development of fibres from the risk of Asbestos and other fibres’.
James Barnett is an Author on Behalf of Pannone (Personal Injury & Medical Negligence), documenting research into Asbestos Cancer and Respiratory Conditions.
If you would like to submit a guest post and be heard on the leading medical blog read our sumbission policy.
