Human exposure to carbon-based fibrous nanomaterials: A review

In an emerging field of nanotechnologies, assessment of exposure to carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon nanofibers (CNF) is an integral component of occupational and environmental epidemiology, risk assessment and management, as well as regulatory actions. The current state of knowledge on exposure to carbon-based fibrous nanomaterials among workers, consumers and general population was studied in frame of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs-Volume 111 “Some Nanomaterials and Some Fibres”. Completeness and reliability of available exposure data for use in epidemiology and risk assessment were assessed. Occupational exposure to CNT/CNF may be of concern at all stages of the material life-cycle from research through manufacture to use and disposal. Consumer and environmental exposures are only estimated by modeled data. The available information of the final steps of the life-cycle of these materials remains incomplete so far regarding amounts of handled materials and levels of exposure. The quality and amount of information available on the uses and applications of CNT/CNF should be improved to enable quantitative assessment of human exposure to these materials. For that, coordinated effort in producing surveys and exposure inventories based on harmonized strategy of material test, exposure measurement and reporting results is strongly encouraged.