Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance that is found in many places on our earth. Unfortunately, in great quantities it can wreak havoc on our health and the environment. Repeated exposure to asbestos can cause asbestosis and mesothelioma, which are fatal lung diseases.

How much Asbestos is released into the environment?

Asbestos fibers are released from natural resources and the erosion of asbestos containing ores. However, the primary source of asbestos in the environment comes via the wear or breakdown of asbestos containing substances, especially from the byproducts and waste waters of mining and other industries, and from the prevalent use of asbestos laden cement pipes commonly used in water supply systems.

According to the Toxics Release Inventory, asbestos releases into water and land totaled nearly 9 million pounds from 1987 to 1993. These asbestos releases were primarily the result of releases from asbestos products industries which use asbestos in roofing materials, friction materials, and cement.

What happens when Asbestos is released into the environment?

As a naturally occurring substance, asbestos is often present in surface and ground water. However, in large quantities, it can be extremely harmful to humans - even causing fatal diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, both of which are caused primarily through inhalation of asbestos fibers.

Asbestos also causes problems in water systems because small fibers may be carried long distances by water currents before settling. Asbestos fibers do not bind to soil, and as a result can be transferred to ground water through soil. Except in massive quantities, asbestos does not often harm aquatic life.

Is there Asbestos in my drinking water?

The Environmental Protection Agency regulations for asbestos became effective in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995, the EPA required US water suppliers to collect water samples and analyze them for asbestos content. If the amount of asbestos present was above 7 M.L., the water suppliers were required to continue to monitor the water for asbestos contamination once every 3 months.

If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of asbestos so that it is consistently below that level. If the levels of asbestos exceed the MCL, the water supply system must notify the public via newspapers, radio, television and other means.

Additional actions, such as providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to public health. Asbestos may cause health problems if found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

How do I know if there is Asbestos in the air?

Inhaling asbestos over many years can potentially lead to chronic and even fatal lung problems including the lung diseases mesothelioma and asbestosis.

It is not possible to identify asbestos just by looking at it. It can only be identified by a person trained in fiber identification with a special polarized light microscope. Because of the seriousness of a potential contamination, if you suspect there is asbestos in your environment, you should have it looked at by a professional.