A revolutionary nanomaterial with huge potential to tackle multiple global challenges could be developed further without acute risk to human health, research suggests.
Carefully controlled inhalation of a specific type of graphene – the world's thinnest, super strong and super flexible material – has no short-term adverse effects on lung or cardiovascular function, the study shows.
The first controlled exposure clinical trial in people was carried out using thin, ultra-pure graphene oxide – a water-compatible form of the material.
Researchers say further work is needed to find out whether higher doses of this graphene oxide material or other forms of graphene would have a different effect.
The team is also keen to establish whether longer exposure to the material, which is thousands of times thinner than a human hair, would carry additional health risks.
