1982: What the Environmental Protection Agency was saying about Asbestos-Cement Pipe.

Since I am doing a lot of work for on asbestos-cement pipe for my thesis, I thought that my readers might also find it interesting.

From the EPA life cycle analysis in 1982, asbestos-cement pressure water pipe came to the United States market in 1931 and was phased out in the 1980s. Throughout most, if not, all of its life, the product mixed Chrysotile and Crocidolite asbestos fibers, and once in a while a little spiced it up with a small amount of Amosite asbestos fibers.

The primary function of the asbestos was as a reinforcing agent.

Now the bad news. There are at least two studies in 2022 that show that these pipes deteriorate after 50 or so years, especially in “aggressive” (hardness and alkalinity) water, thereby releasing the asbestos fibers into the drinking water (if the pipe is still functioning) and the environment (if the pipe has developed holes). As stated in the conclusion of the 1982 EPA report, “The potential for human exposure to asbestos from the manufacture and use of A/C pipe exists.” Yep, clearly the case.

Let me know what you think, either by leaving a comment or sending me an email to TheAsbestosBlog@gmail.com. Thanks. Marty