Asbestos can Contaminate Municipalities’ Water Supplies

AC Pipe can Contaminate Water Supplies

Asbestos-cement pipe can put people's health at risk.

Across the country, municipalities that used asbestos-cement water pipes have cause for concern that asbestos levels in drinking water and water used for bathing, cooking and other purposes could exceed safe levels and potentially harm people who consume it or use it. These pipes also potentially imperil the health of maintenance workers. The City of Devine, Tx. recently experienced a scare from elevated levels of asbestos in its water supply. Fortunately for residents of South Florida, the most extensive use of asbestos cement (AC) pipe occurred in the Western half of the United States.

Generally, South Florida residents do not need to worry about asbestos contamination from AC pipe. Asbestos poses more of a threat to residents of places like Hollywood, Miami and Fort Lauderdale in flooring, ceilings, walls and other areas of their homes. If inhaled extensively, asbestos fibers can cause severe breathing problems. Asbestos exposure can lead to forms of cancer and other diseases and conditions. South Florida residents can use the services of businesses that perform asbestos abatement miami work to eliminate asbestos, a highly dangerous carcinogen, from houses, schools, workplaces, condominiums, churches and other locations.

Asbestos Within Homes Typically More Dangerous

Asbestos often becomes an issue and more hazardous to people’s health during renovations and remodeling projects. Many older homes in places like Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea may contain asbestos under tile flooring, in popcorn ceilings and in insulation. Homeowners across the area may want to hire licensed companies that offer asbestos removal broward services to test for the presence of asbestos and remove the building material before it affects people’s health.

Exposure to asbestos, particularly over a long period of time, can lead to diseases and conditions such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that has killed thousands of people across the country. Many people who have worked in buildings with asbestos have suffered terrible health consequences as a result. Asbestos exposure in the home can cause asbestos-related diseases years or decades after the exposure. In rare cases, asbestos may occur in well water.