Document G5J4LDjmeR2a1v2LLkb1o8pXn

American Water Works Association | 6666 West Quincy Avenue | Denver, Colo. 60235 ] 303 794-7711 Linda Stangi 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 1 may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call. - JIC/kl-. CC: J. C. Jackson John I. Capito, PtE. Distribution Engineer President: KENNETH J. MILLER. Denver. Colorado President-Elect: JOHN H. STACHA. Dellas. Texas Vice-President: WILLIAM O. LYNCH. Cazencvia. New York Immediate Past-President: JEROME B. GILESRT. Oakland. California Treasurer: THOMAS J BLAIR. III. Charleston. West Virginia Executive Director: DAVID B. PRESTON, Denver, Colorado I~ CAPCO JEN 0033424 October 1, 1981 American Water Works Assc. . National Press Building Washington D. C., Dear Sirs: I really don't know if you can help or not. I am very concerned about a situation that was just recently brought to my attention. We recently had a new water main run in front of our business. We noticed that the pipe they put in has asbestos stamped on it and in examining the pipe it looked like the fiber was all the way through it. It is common knowledge that asbestos a carcinogenic and a dangerous substance. I have made several inquiries to different persons and all of them assured me that it should be safe. I just cant buy that, the drug Thaladymide was safe, so was DES, and Saccarin. Do you see my point? One of the consumer groups I called refered me to you in that you test products. Can you tell me if you have tested asbestos pipe and feel that none of it ever enters the water? What about when there is eventual break down of the pipe... and what about the holes that must be drilled in it for hook ups, wouldn't some leak through and contaminate the water. Can you tell me where I could send my water to see if there is any asbestos in it? I honestly hope that I am over reacting but I don't want to wake up five years from now and find I have cancer because I sat on this question. Thank you for any help you can be. 944 Peter Avenue Big Bear City, CA 92314 714 585 5681 I- CAPCO JEN 0033425