As asbestos cement pipes supplying drinking water degrade across the UK, experts ask whether they pose a risk to human health.
Scotland has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world, connected to a history of heavy industry where asbestos was previously used. In 2014 Scotland was found to have the highest global rate of mesothelioma, a cancer of the linings of certain organs.
The what pipes now?
Wouldn’t the asbestos get inhaled by people in the shower and such?
There are growing concerns that as these ageing pipes near the end of their expected lifespan they will deteriorate, leading to more breakages. But even before that stage, after decades of water running through them, the walls of the pipes can soften due to calcium from the cement leaching out, leading to corrosion. According to one study of 50-year-old pipes in Slovenia, this allows asbestos fibres to be released into the water.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240124-asbestos-in-drinking-water-an-overlooked-health-risk
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