Carbon Fiber warning
#1
Thread Starter
Harbinger
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 564
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From: Milwaukee
Bikes: IRO Jamie Roy, Old Araya fixed conversion.
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?
anyone else here about this?
#3
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.
#8
Square-o-dynamic
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: www.toothpastefordinner.com
Bikes: something fixed, something broken
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.
#11
Senior Member
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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.
https://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.
https://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.
#13
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Joined: Oct 2007
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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.
Last edited by tynan; 05-23-08 at 07:47 PM.
#15
noobster
Joined: Apr 2008
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Bikes: 1980 Schwinn Le Tour
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.
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.
#18
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#20
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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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.
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.
#22
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?
anyone else here about this?
Good one.
#23
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?
#24
SWAAAAAAAAAAAT
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 336
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From: alief houston texas
Bikes: masi speciale fixed (urrringe), haro f1 (black), haro x2 (red)
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
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
Last edited by tx_what_it_do; 05-25-08 at 02:48 AM.







