Should regulatory authorities restrict the use of carbon nanotubes?
No regulatory authority around the world has recommended or enforced a ruling on restricted use of carbon nanotubes. For medical applications, the very strict regulatory and authorization framework for new drugs is considered adequate. Challenges: • Restrictions posed on the use of carbon nanotubes based on premature evidence of adverse effects and unsubstantiated ‘nanofear’. Opportunities: • Clinical development of a carbon-nanotube-based therapeutic or diagnostic will act as a proof-of-principle nanomedical product.
