Y2O3:Eu3+ nanotube phosphors were prepared using polyethylene glycol via a hydrothermal treatment and a subsequent heat treatment. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the crystal was a tube with an outer diameter of 80 nm. A higher emission intensity was observed with nanotubular Y2O3 doped with 7.5mol% Eu3+ ions after heated more than 900 degrees C compared with that of the commercial one. In addition, the examination of toxicity using cell line suggested that the toxicity of the lanthanide oxide nanotubes indeed was much less than the case of asbestos.