Document BRwRO7QR02LKMZNzkRD6R7kOL

A/C Pipe Producers Association Jay Baker, Hal Olson, Bill Perrell TO iYe&--------- - FRot.'Wj. Ff., Welch, Director, Public Affairs Internal Correspondence date November 5,1981 subject inquiry to AWWA ACTION REQUIRED: Review for information and follow up Enclosed is the response of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) to a consumer inquiry regarding asbestos in drinking water. Although the response is, as Joe Jackson stated, "less than reassuring," it is gratifying to see that AWWA has responded to AACPP pressure that contacts be directed to this Association rather than the Environmental Protection Agency. Since most field problems have their beginnings in inquiries of this nature, it is recommended that local sales personnel be advised that consumer concerns exist in the area. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. JFW/ajb Enclosure cc: A. Kahn, Esq. N. Rahn, Esq. B. Garcia (Winner/Wagner) HEGA/6 Chrono CAPCO JEN OOI3038 American Water Works Association 16666 West Quincy Avenue | Denver, Colo. 802351 303 794-7711 Linda Stangl 944 Peter Avenue Big Bear City, -CA 92314 October 29, 1981 RE: Asbestos Cement Pipe Asbestos cement (A/C) pipe is a material consisting of an intimate mixture of portland cement and asbestos fibers. A/C pipe has been widely used throughout this country in water distribution systems since the 1930's. While there is evidence that the inhalation of certain asbestos fibers may cause cancer, there is insufficient evidence to support the theory that ingestion of asbestos into the human body causes cancer. The control of materials used in contact with potable water and the testing of potable water is vested in the State Health Agency in your state and, in turn, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If you have questions dealing with the suitability of A/C pipe in your area or for tests of your drinking water, I refer you to your State Health Department. Your concern on the cutting and tapping of A/C pipe is justified. The waterworks industry has recognized this problem and our manual dealing with handling of A/C pipe addresses the removal of the asbestos particles from the pipe after cutting and tapping. For further information on A/C pipe, please contact Mr. Joseph C. Jackson, Executive Director, Asbestos Cement Pipe Producers Association, 1600 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1008, Arlington, VA 22209. If you have further questions or if I may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call. JIC/Kl-v. CC: J. C. Jackson Distribution Engineer President: KENNETH J. MILLER. Denver. Colorado President-Elect: JOHN H. STACHA. Dallas. Texas Vice-President: WILLIAM O. LYNCH. Cazencvia. New York immediate Past-President: JEROME B. GILBERT. Oakland. California Treasurer: THOMAS J. BLAIR. III. Charleston. West Virginia Executive Director: DAVID B. PRESTON, Denver. Colorado