Carbon Fiber warning
 

I'm too lazy to actually source the original report but there was a discussion going on on NPR this afternoon saying that the nano technology in carbon fiber is almost identical to that of asbestos therefore when being cut/sanded/worked with it is theoretically just as dangerous as inhaling asbestos and is likely a huge cancer risk. so anyone choping/sanding/mutilating anything carbon fiber you may want to invest in a high end respirator since even normal dust masks will do little to stop the nano particles from entering your lungs.

anyone else here about this?

Aluminum dust is also pretty bad for your body. Alzheimers anyone?

any bike mechanic knows this. I usually wear a dust mask when I cut carbon steer tubes. admittedly, a lot less dust is kicked up in cutting a steer tube than installing insulation in a building... between printmaking (acids and pine resin), metal working (mig welding anyone?), and bicycle mechanics, I have a habit of falling into professions that involve a lot of health risks. at least im not inhaling pig brains.

nano = smaller than dust

I didnt know it. I cut mine and breathed in deeply .

that's good to know. i didn't know that.

:twitchy:

lmao

Use some common sense and you'll be fine. Wrap whatever you're cutting in electrical or duct tape first and then cut through the tape. That'll keep the dust down. Put some water or cutting fluid on it if you're really worried. Do it outside. Have a fan blowing away from you while you cut. Don't be a ****. These are all options.

im a little more concerned with carbon splinters on broken frames. that stuff hurts like crazy.

+1 for carbon splinters, i got one when my spinergy broke
D:

the news you are referring to is about carbon nanotubes, not carbon fiber. although i'm sure there are plenty of risks to cutting carbon fiber, the similarities to asbestos were found with nanotubes.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...oryId=90769120

i'm pretty sure carbon fiber bike components do not use nanotubes, but i could be wrong.

easton is all about the nanotubes.

this is how rumour, misinformation and speculation spread, if you can't be bothered to report a genuine heath risk with some degree of accuracy I wouldn't bother.

For those who would like to look into this, the theoretical risk is specifically from Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs) and not per se from carbon fibre, carbon fibre carries it's own safety concerns, these have not changed and carbon can be worked safely with the right procedures.

yeah i was going to say i had heard that it was nanotubes.

i just didn't know whether CF had nanotubes or not.

nanotubes are different; currently being studied for electrical conductivity purposes.

carbon fiber utilizes carbonized filaments covered in resin.

i'm sure though, that either way, breathing in the particulate matter from either is bad news.

resin-covered carbonized filaments
http://ticklebooth.com/wp-content/up.../07/iphone.jpg
don't breathe this

I cut mine with baby laxative.

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_216a.html - a good read.

only funny post in this thread.

Better stop using antiperspirant then, it contains aluminum and has been linked to Alzheimers as well. If you eat or breathe in this world your doomed. Facts of life.

Google search Nano-tubes

They are speaking of carbon nano-tubes, and not the form that is used in bicycle construction.
BTW, we are all dying, it's just a matter of how quickly.

http://www.technicalstew.info/main/2..._nanotubes.gif

I like how you're telling this to a bunch of kids who ride around without brakes and helmets as if they actually care.

Good one.

great I work with Aluminum, Carbon Fiber, and Aluminum everyday at work and just wear a crappy mask when I am actually doing long work in the composit room and usually nothing when it's adjustment work mounted on the job. I'm gonna die soon anyone want my crap?

cigarettes cause cancer when you breathe them, too

i was going to microwave something on a styrofoam plate and she was like "no dont do that, it's going to give you cancer"

and i was like "didn't you just smoke 3 cigarettes within the last hour?"

nothing against smoking/ers, it's just funny

Life causes cancer. Stop living.