HSE guidance on nanotubes

The HSE has warned of risks of using carbon nanotubes, molecular-scale forms of manufactured carbon. Its new information sheet, Risk management of carbon nanotubes was published in response to “emerging evidence about the toxicology of these materials”.

HSE regards carbon nanotubes as “being substances of very high concern”.

The guide states that a “precautionary approach” should be taken to the risk management of all these substances, and that if employers cannot avoid using them they should label the material “Caution: substance not yet fully tested.”

HSE’s Risk management of carbon nanotubes is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web38.pdf