Asbestos, Old Pipes, And Mother Nature

Most of the time, when it comes to asbestos, the danger comes from dust – friable asbestos that can be inhaled. That’s where a large part of the asbestos problem lies. But, did you know that asbestos is also problematic when you ingest it through the digestive system? There, it can cause peritoneal mesothelioma.

• According to EPA guidelines in the US, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, asbestos levels should be 7 million fibers per liter (MFL) or lower.
• The risk at higher levels was once thought to be limited to benign intestinal polyps, but recent studies have suggested that asbestos in drinking water can increase the risk of cancer, including mesothelioma.

Asbestos In Old Pipes
Asbestos was added to cement in the belief that it would make a longer lasting material – ideal for public water systems. So it was thought, and the practice continued starting in about the 1930s for decades until there were regulations against it came into place.

As with any other asbestos containing material, it is considered safe as long as it remains intact. However, as it deteriorates, asbestos can leach into the water.

There is also a risk in the case of natural disasters. That’s the possibility residents of towns in Texas and California have had to face in the wake of the catastrophic flooding and fires that have occurred earlier this year. In the case of fires, toxic ash contaminated with asbestos fibres is yet another risk, one that can be inhaled or even end up in streams that feed into the water supply.

The problem of asbestos in pipes is widespread throughout North America. The pipes laid in the 1930s were thought to have about a 70 year lifespan and many have not been replaced. Never mind disasters – how long will it be before they simply start to crumble with age? In some cases, there have been issues since the 1980s.

What can you do?

• A water filtration system, even the simple variety that can be attached to a household faucet, can help protect you from asbestos contamination and other impurities.

Asbestos In Your Home?
If your home contains asbestos or ACM, we can help. You can trust the experienced asbestos removal experts and asbestos remediation experts at Green Stream Environmental to take care of your environmental issues. In the Toronto area contact Environmental at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414. You’ll be glad you did.