Since the carcinogenic effect of asbestos is mostly caused by it's physical properties[1]; anything that resembles the shape of asbestos' micro-particles is also highly suspected to be carcinogenic.
The shape, size,
and adsorbing nature of the fibers also appear to be critically important. Recently, doubts have
arisen concerning the safety of commercially available carbon nanotubes,[2] which may possess
the same carcinogenicity as asbestos fibers because of their similar characteristics. Ample care
has to be taken to prevent a tragedy similar to the one caused by asbestos exposure.[1]
It's probably worth making the distinction that most people are exposed to "Carbon Fiber" as CRP[1], not "raw carbon fibers". And it is the ~aersolized bits raw carbon/dusts (the subject of this article) that are problematic.
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[1] The german title is "Bundeswehr warnt vor Krebs durch Carbonfasern", and From the German wikipedia page "Carbonfasern" ...
The fibers are mainly for the production of carbon fiber reinforced plastic used (CFRP = Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic). Derived from the English, the abbreviation CFRP (is english Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) used.
Much like asbestos siding in that regard, where its not exactly being pumped into the air by most people, but people who work with it, for example sanding it, create a health hazard.
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[1] The german title is "Bundeswehr warnt vor Krebs durch Carbonfasern", and From the German wikipedia page "Carbonfasern" ...
The fibers are mainly for the production of carbon fiber reinforced plastic used (CFRP = Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic). Derived from the English, the abbreviation CFRP (is english Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) used.