Carbon nanotubes, or CNT, are being used to make products stronger, lighter, faster, and more efficient. But are they safe? A growing body of research is raising concerns over the hazards presented by some forms of the material. As ever though, the risk to health depends on who is exposed to what and where, and how much they are exposed to. This week's Risk Bites takes a look at factors that may affect how carbon nanotube toxicity is translated into risk. Additional resources: NIOSH (2013) New Findings on Lung Tumor Formation in Laboratory Mice Exposed to Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes. http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2013/03/mwcnt/ What are carbon nanotubes used for? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potential_applications_of_carbon_nanotubes Donaldson et al. (2006) Carbon Nanotubes: A Review of Their Properties in Relation to Pulmonary Toxicology and Workplace Safety. Toxicol. Sci. 92 (1): 5-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfj130 [Free download] Poland et al. (2008) "Carbon nanotubes introduced into the abdominal cavity of mice show asbestos-like pathogenicity in a pilot study" Nature Nanotechnology 3, 423 - 428 http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2008.111 NIOSH (2010) Occupational Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers (Draft) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/review/docket161A/ This week's Risk Bites team: David Faulkner (post-production) Andrew Maynard (all the other stuff) Risk Bites is supported by the ASU Risk Innovation Lab and School for the Future of Innovation in Society Risk Bites is your guide to making sense of risk. We cover everything from understanding and balancing the risks and benefits of everyday products, to health science more broadly, to the potential impacts of emerging technologies, to making sense of risk perception. If you enjoy our videos, please subscribe, and spread the word!