{"id":7071,"date":"2023-11-29T15:41:23","date_gmt":"2023-11-29T05:41:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nuflow.net\/?p=7071"},"modified":"2023-12-04T14:02:18","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T04:02:18","slug":"are-you-exposed-to-asbestos-pipes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nuflow.net\/are-you-exposed-to-asbestos-pipes\/","title":{"rendered":"Are you exposed to asbestos pipes?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What was once a widely used building material, asbestos is now recognised for the danger it poses to human health. Known for its carcinogenic properties, the material is resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion, which made it a seemly great addition to various construction, industrial, insulation and textile products in the mid-20th<\/sup> century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, asbestos exposure is now known to cause a number of health risks, particularly when it makes its way into our water systems. That makes it important to be aware of the potential dangers your pipes could be exposing you to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rising risks of asbestos pipes  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the early to mid-1900s, most pipes and water systems were constructed from asbestos concrete and cement. These are still operating today, with the Government\u2019s Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency finding that 26% of water mains are made from asbestos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concerns surrounding exposure to asbestos have typically been minor. Asbestos fibres have been present in water systems for a long time, but never at toxic concentration levels. However, this is beginning to change. The recommended lifespan of these pipelines is around 70 years, which means some are reaching the end of their time. As they develop cracks and continue to degrade, the levels of asbestos fibres leaching into the water supply and the associated danger grows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mesothelioma is one such danger, a cancer that forms in the lungs or abdomen, along with lung, ovarian and laryngeal cancer. Getting ahead of this now and finding ways to limit your exposure can help save you from these lifelong health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How asbestos gets into your pipes and water systems <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Asbestos pipes are not the only way the material can get into your system. Because they don\u2019t dissolve or evaporate, it\u2019s easy for asbestos fibres to travel long distances before getting into your water supply. And if your pipes are already made from asbestos, this is upping your exposure levels even more. Understanding how this can happen can help you prevent it and take action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural disasters   <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In times of floods, fires, or other disasters, a lot of damage can be left behind. This can expose asbestos-containing building materials to the air and provide an opportunity for fibres to gain access to waterways. Demolition to clear debris during these disasters can create similar problems. As these fibres flow through the water ways, they can leach into water supplies for everyday drinking and even affect local wildlife. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Construction    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Renovation of older buildings can cause asbestos concrete to crumble and break, then make its way into the air. Materials made before the 1980s that are likely to contain this substance include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n