Smart carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites with carbon allotropes: A brief reflection on potential safety and health issues

The modification of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites, at nanoscale, with different carbon allotropes has been exploited as a promising route to develop advanced, lightweight and smart CFRP composites widely desired in several demanding industries, such as aeronautics, space and military. However, modified CFRPs with carbon-based nanomaterials arises occupational health and safety concerns. This short review aims to analyse the possible safety and health impacts of carbon allotropes usage, through a brief overview of the published literature from 2008 to 2019. The literature examination was achieved using search engines, including the MetaLib - Ex Libris and other databases. Until now, only few studies have been focused on the direct implications of the carbon-based nanomaterials usage in humans. Most of them are based on laboratory studies, using various animal models and cell-culture-based in vitro experiments, which have shown potential harmful effects of the carbon allotropes. The current knowledge about these nanomaterials is still insufficient and more research is required to fulfil the existing gaps. Therefore, precautionary measures should be taken in the workplaces.