Asbestos Cements

Asbestos does have very long, thin fibers that cause lung problems when breathed in in significant amounts.

I believe the dangers of asbestos have been grossly exaggerated. They spent hundreds of thousands of dollars removing it from old pipes in our school, and hundreds of thousands more removing natural asbestos (associated with greenstone) from the playing fields of another school in our area.

I used asbestos gloves for many years for handling hot objects, with no known bad effects.

There is clearly a danger to those who have to work in an area where there are asbestos fibers in the air, but I don't buy the danger of having steam pipes wrapped with it.

That said, I would never knowingly allow it to be used in pipes supplying my drinking water! In fact, I'm not even sure that the asbestos cement pipes I've known are water-tight. They seemed porous to me, but then I haven't seen any in 20 or 30 years...

I haven't checked any codes, but I'd bet it would be illegal anywhere in the US.

I have seen asbestoses caused by breathing asbestos dust and it ain't pretty.

In the 60's it was the cheapest for use in reticulating system. I recently had the opportunity to inspect an AC pipe that were in the ground for 37 to 40 years. The surface on the inside still seems solid. The lip-seal ring were however to hard and would and does leak once the pipe were disturbed.

The authorities are replacing the old pipes as the opportunity or need arises but budget constraints prevent changing more.

My cousin's husband died of it about 10 years ago, it was not quick or pretty. It does take quite a time to develope, with him it is thought to have taken around 30 odd years....

If you are in almost any western country, I would personally be surprised if you are allowed to use it at all, I would expect it to be completely banned for ANY usage in contact with humans....or animals for that matter.....

If it is not banned in your country, please be aware that it probably should be.....you may eventually be held responsible for any future problems.....

I live in an affluent area in Massachusetts it was recently revealed that the town I grew up in had it's entire water system installed with asbestos /cement pipe . I am not aware or there has never been any talk of ill effects but that system is now in the process of being replaced with modern materials. I suspect it was widely used in the 50's and 60's but it would hardly be worth any savings to use it and risk health affects . I think modern pvc seals better and is more durable so it would be hard to find a reason for using it. As far as replacement I would surely replace it with plastic if given a choice .

Firstly, legal issues (are you even allowed to use this type of product anymore). If you don't know, then check your local standards and regulations applicable to your country (and/or state). Secondly (as has been mentioned), PVC pipe is standard now days and superior in many ways.

Why do you want to use Asbestos Cements pipe, do you have some special civil or environmental requirements?

Firstly unless you live in china or India you probably cant buy it. Secondly it tends to get brittle with age and any disturbance causes leaks. When disturded for repairs more leaks invariably occur ie. (every time you fix it you ****it). However I know of no health problems with the use of asbestoss pipes for potable water as regards the consumer. The risk is to the people repairing it and using cutting tools etc. (breathing in the dust). uPVC mPVC and Poly pipes and fittings are easier to use and obtain so there is no advantage to using AC pipes.

Washing using this possibly polluted water and then drying, like hair for example, can release the fibers into the air and expose the person(s) to breathing in small asbestos fibers, that originally came from the water....

I personally feel that there is no need in 2010 to start installing such pipes in the first place......

As you so carefully and well pointed out, the handling and working of such pipes is tantamount to a suicide wish......and needs to be done in a carefully controlled environment only, with intensive pre knowledge, equipment and training.....

They should simply use modern plastic/metal pipes for water......nothing less.....

It sounds like an old Germany saying that I like to quote:-

" He saves money no matter what it costs! "

I am not supporting the installation of AC pipe, only answering a question. I myself, would never specify AC Pipe. I did mention the issues surrounding working with it and the disposal of such.

When the AC pipes begin to break down, the amount of asbestos particles released in minute. Multiple independent studies show the concern for these particles being ingested or inhaled is misplaced. Once again, this is not my opinion, but the results of several government studies.

Don't rely on percentages in such areas, for example 1 dead person in 1 million sounds like a tiny amount, it is, BUT to that person and his family, it will be a catastophic event that will change their lives for ever.....

Its simply not worth it nowadays to touch something that is known to be dangerous.

Having had a family member die/see dying from this disease may colour my attitude a bit, so its not for me a matter of discussion anymore.....

There are enough dangerous things out there that we still do not know about......

When I first came to work in the piping field in the early 1970's I know asbestos cement pipe was still being heavily promoted by some manufacturers and suppliers, and even in the USA. While it was known then to be less tolerant of ground movements etc. than e.g. ductile iron piping, in addition to what others have said I think a great attraction to some customers was it was at least in smaller diameters sold cheaper than other pipes. As others have noted on this thread, things have changed much at least in the USA and some other places. There is incidentally a well-publicized trial in Italy concerning a large European et al manufacturer, discussed at http://www.globaltort.com/2009/12/eternit-etex-and-asbestos-cement-global-scale-decades-ago-how-to-deal-with-current-and-future-claims-/ .