Worldwide, hundreds of thousands of miles of pipes made from asbestos cement continue to provide drinking water to millions of people. These pipes, which were installed in the main during the mid-20th century, are now reaching the end of their projected lifespan, leading to increased concerns about their degradation and the potential health risks they might pose.
The Incident That Raised Alarm Bells
In December 2022, the suburb of Stannington in Sheffield, faced a worrying situation when a water pipe burst during one of the coldest winters in recent times. As water flooded into the local gas network, it left residents with water coming out of their gas hobs. The burst pipe, which caused disruption to the lives of over 10,000 people and left many without gas for days, was made from asbestos cement.
While the immediate crisis was the lack of central heat during winter, another concern began to emerge: could the asbestos in the water pipes present a long-term health risk to the residents?
The Hidden Danger of Aging Asbestos Cement Pipes
Asbestos cement pipes, known for their durability and strength, were commonly used across the world from the early 1900s through to the 1980s. These pipes had many qualities including resistance to corrosion and an ability to withstand high pressure, making them a good choice for water distribution systems. By 1988 approximately 23,000 miles of these pipes had been laid across the UK, delivering water to 12 million people.
However, these pipes only have a typical lifespan of between about 50 and 70 years. As they age, they begin to decay, raising the risk of asbestos fibres being released into the water supply. Studies, such as one conducted on 50-year-old pipes in Slovenia, have shown that the walls of these pipes can soften over time due to the leaching of calcium from the cement, allowing asbestos fibres to mix with the drinking water.
The Debate Among Scientists
The health risks associated with airborne asbestos are well-documented. Most people are now aware that the inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to serious health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. However, the risks associated with ingesting asbestos through drinking water are less clear and remain a subject of ongoing scientific debate.
The World Health Organization (WHO) currently does not consider asbestos in drinking water to pose a significant risk to human health, but the evidence is mixed. Some epidemiological studies suggest a possible link between ingested asbestos and gastrointestinal cancers, while others have found no such correlation.
Professor Arthur Frank, a Professor in the Dornside School of Public Health in Philadelphia, and a leading expert on asbestos, argues that while the risk might not be significant, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. He and other scientists are calling for further research into the potential health risks of ingesting asbestos fibres, particularly as evidence accumulates suggesting that asbestos fibres might accumulate in the colon and potentially contribute to the causation of colorectal cancer.
Precautionary Measures
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, some countries are already taking precautionary measures. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has maintained a safety limit for asbestos in drinking water since 1974, and the state of Victoria in Australia is actively replacing asbestos cement pipes due to concerns about their safety.
In the UK, however, asbestos in drinking water remains largely unregulated. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) follows the WHO guidelines, which do not require regular monitoring of asbestos levels in water. As a result, many water companies do not routinely test for asbestos fibres in their supplies, leaving residents, like those in Stannington, with unanswered questions and concerns about the safety of their water.
The Cost of Replacement
Replacing the aging asbestos cement pipes would be a huge and expensive task. In the UK and Ireland, the cost of replacing these pipes is estimated to be between £5-8 billion.
In Stannington, the fear of another burst pipe remains, along with concerns about the potential health risks from asbestos contamination. Local officials and residents are calling for more thorough investigations and greater transparency from water companies and regulators.
Asbestos Justice and Raising Awareness
Here at Asbestos Justice, as well as seeking compensation for our clients who have been affected by asbestos disease, we also strive to raise awareness of the continuing issues and risks associated with asbestos exposure. By adding to the conversation around these issues, we hope that further research and action will be taken.
If you have been affected by asbestos disease and want to look into making a claim please contact us on our freephone number 0800 038 6767. Alternatively, head over to the ‘Contact Us’ page, complete the form and we will be in touch.