Carbon nanotubes were found inside human lungs for the first time ever. (Photo : Wikipedia)
Scientists have discovered for the first time ever, the presence of carbon nanotubes inside the human body, particularly inside the lungs of children from Paris.
During this study, fluid was detected inside the lungs of 64 children who have asthma where five in those cases, nanotubes were discovered within the immune lung cells, known as macrophages.
Carbon nanotubes appear as cylindrical in shape, made from carbon molecules that are extremely light weight and durable, also possessing good conductive qualities that are often found in optics and nanotechnology.
Researchers from Paris and Rice University in Houston also note that these carbon nanotubes were found inside these patients since they went under prior invasive fiber optic bronchoscopy surgeries to remove lung fluids caused by asthma. Researchers also note that they did not take samples of lung fluids from healthy patients.
During the study, the team examined the fluids of 36 boys and 28 girls between the ages of 2 months and 17 years old.To date, it is not yet known how many tubes are found inside the children's lungs in Paris or the exact origin of these carbon nanotubes. There is also no current data to back up the link between asthma and carbon nanotubes.
However, prior studies with mice reveal how carbon nanotubes can cause immune reactions that are similar to asbestos exposure. In this new study, researchers suggest that carbon nanotubes in lungs can break down the lungs over time, similar to the toxic effects of asbestos.
Researchers also reveal that similar carbon structures are found from exhaust of vehicles and dust particles in Paris and the United States and even spider webs in India, indicating that carbon nanotubes are found globally.
This new study is published in the journal, EBioMedicine.
