While scientists have been racing to produce nano technology for the improvement of our lives, a recent study suggests cars may produce carbon nanotubes. Unfortunately, these newly found particles can be incredibly dangerous for our health.
- Cars can produce nanotubes – the conclusion of the recent study
- Debates on the presence of carbon nanotubes in human participants’ lungs
- Effects of carbon nanotubes on our health
Fossil fuels have long been labeled as toxic and noxious, but very few people actually knew why. Recent scientific papers and experiments have helped scientists better understand the negative impact of carbon nanotubes.
Scientists from the University of Paris-Saclay, France and their lead author, Fathi Moussa, have studied fluid samples from the lungs of 64 asthmatic children from Paris. They have discovered strange particles that have never been seen before. A closer analysis of the withdrawn fluids has revealed that children had carbon nanotubes in their lungs.
Investigators wanted to establish where carbon nanotubes might be coming from. Consequently, they have compared children’s samples with possibly polluting sources. They have discovered the same carbon nanotubes in dust and vehicle exhaust. Although this theory has not been confirmed yet, researchers believe cars are responsible for the carbon nanotubes existing in children’s lungs.
This discovery was completely fortuitous, but researchers are glad they can finally prove the negative effects that cars can have on people’s health. Children are the ones that are more vulnerable, especially asthmatic kids, whose lungs cannot properly remove debris; hence, the presence of carbon nanotubes.
When looking at the effects of carbon nanotubes on humans, scientists have discovered that these particles cause asbestos-like damages. Children, who are exposed to fossil fuel emissions could develop lung cancer, researchers warn.
In the future, Moussa and his colleagues will collect samples from non-asthmatic participants to compare them with the ones from the current study. Their goal is to determine whether carbon nanotubes get stuck in all people’s lungs or is it just asthmatic patients that are more vulnerable.
Scientists are strongly debating on the effects of carbon nanotubes. Some researchers think the fossil fuels should be limited to reduce pollution. Others, on the other hand, think people should not be alarmed by the large amounts of carbon nanotubes found in children’s lungs. Jonathan Grigg from the University of London claims people have been breathing in nanotubes for a long period of time and it is very unlikely they lead to the same diseases as asbestos.
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