Nanoscale size and fiber like structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may determine high reactivity and penetration, as well as the pathogenicity of asbestos and other mineral fibers. Despite many in vitro and in vivo studies, the absence of full-scale data on CNT effects on human health clearly point out the necessity for epidemiological studies. Currently, several projects are initiated worldwide on studying health risks associated with the inhalation of industrial CNTs, including NIOSH-promoted research (United States), the European CANTES study, and the Russian CNT-ERA project. Studies comprising several successive steps, such as CNT exposure assessment in occupational settings, toxicological evaluation, and epidemiological observations, are critical for determining material safety and use criteria.

中文翻译：

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碳纳米管暴露风险评估：从毒理学到流行病学研究（当前问题概述）。

碳纳米管（CNT）的纳米级尺寸和类似纤维的结构可能决定高反应性和渗透性，以及石棉和其他矿物纤维的致病性。尽管进行了许多体外和体内研究，但缺乏有关CNT对人体健康影响的完整数据清楚地指出了流行病学研究的必要性。当前，在全球范围内启动了一些有关研究与工业碳纳米管吸入有关的健康风险的项目，包括由美国国家职业安全与健康研究所（NIOSH）推动的研究（美国），欧洲CANTES研究以及俄罗斯的CNT-ERA项目。包括几个连续步骤的研究，例如职业环境中的CNT暴露评估，毒理学评估和流行病学观察，对于确定材料安全性和使用标准至关重要。