Asbestos in Drinking Water and Environment
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral occurring in geologic deposits. Asbestos can enter the drinking water through the natural weathering of geological material containing asbestos or for a period of time cement water lines were used that contained asbestos. As the water lines decay, the asbestos enters the drinking water. “Asbestos is a generic term used to describe hydrated magnesium silicate minerals that crystallize as bundles of long, thin fibers which readily separate when broken or crushed. These minerals include chrysotile (serpentine) and fibrous varieties of amphibole group minerals such as crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, byssolite, and actinolite. The special properties of asbestos — high tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and electricity — have made it well suited for a number of commercial applications, particularly as fire-resistant tiles and insulation (Source).”
They are found in areas with igneous and metamorphic bedrock. Asbestos exposure has been linked to these manufacturing sectors: shipyards, power plants, chemical plants, oil refiners, and mining. The following trades are more likely to be exposed to asbestos drywall tapers, electricians, firefighters, auto mechanics, and plumbing and heating contractors. This is one reason we suggest you obtain a copy of your Neighborhood Hazard Report and if you are a public water customer to get a copy of your consumer confidence report (see below).
In 1974, the maximum contaminant level goal, i.e., MCLG, for asbestos was 7 million fibers per liter or MFL. In 1992, the Phase II Rules set the drinking water standard at 7 million fibers per liter was adequate to protect human health. Some people who drink water containing asbestos well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years may have an increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps.
For large scale water treatment – coagulation/filtration, diatomaceous earth filtration, nanofiltration, and corrosion control with sequestering are commonly used. For residential treatment – the most likely and reliable form of treatment would be a combination of reverse osmosis system that includes a filtration system that removes particles < 1 micron. This would include microfiltration, ultrafiltration & nanofiltration. The appropriate NFS Standards that would apply would be NSF / ANSI 53 and NSF/ ANSI 58.
Piura NSF/ANSI Standard 53: Drinking Water Treatment Units – Health Effects
Overview: Standard 53 addresses point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) systems designed to reduce specific health-related contaminants, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, lead, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether), that may be present in public or private drinking water.
Bad Homburg vor der Höhe NSF/ANSI Standard 58: Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems
Overview: This standard was developed for point-of-use (POU) reverse osmosis (RO) treatment systems. These systems typically consist of a pre-filter, RO membrane, and post-filter. Standard 58 includes contaminant reduction claims commonly treated using RO, including fluoride, hexavalent and trivalent chromium, total dissolved solids, nitrates, etc. that may be present in public or private drinking water.
other routes of exposure – Airborne
Asbestos dust was been found to have carcinogenic effects. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause fatal illnesses like malignant lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
City Water Customers for Public Water Supplies – Check your consumer confidence report.
Question of the Week – November 24, 2014 – Phosphates Well Water Hazardous??
From Elaine
I am concerned about phosphates in my well water ( drinking). I would like to know are there safe levels of phosphates and what are they? Also what harm can they do if we drink them?
Phosphates
Dear Elaine,
First – Thanks for the Question and thanks for your comments about our Web Outreach – Phosphate in drinking water there is no formal drinking water standard set by the EPA, but the World Health Organization as a standard of 5 ppm. In central water distribution systems, like public water systems, the operators may add phosphate to help with corrosion control. Elevated Phosphates in the water for a private well could raise the following concerns:
1. May raise concerns about other contaminants associated with septic systems, agricultural runoff, pulp and paper mills, or golf course management.
2. May cause problems with enhance algal growth in swimming pools or fish tanks.
3. May suggest a direct connection to a stream or surfacewater body.
Phosphorus is necessary for life and we have a Recommend Daily Allowance of 800 mg. Phosphorous is a non-metallic element and is found local bedrock
This should not be significant concern, but we always recommend getting a comprehensive water quality test.
Elevated phosphates in lakes and surfacewater are a significant issue, because in most cases phosphates is the growth limiting nutrient.
Make a difference starting now!
Recycling cell phones helps the environment by saving energy and keeping useable and valuable materials out of landfills and incinerators. It also helps preserve important animal habitats by reducing the demand for Coltan. In addition to recycling cell phones and electronic waste it is critical that consumers demand conflict free electronic devices. You can help the Keystone Clean Water Team and the Environment by recycling your cell phone. ”
If you would like to set up a program to help recycle cellphones at an event, business, or other organization. Through our program we can recycle cell phones, iPods, game systems, and small digital cameras. If your interested, please contact us.
Volunteer
We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving the Program, enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners. We look for people that can forward solid articles, help coordinate local education efforts, and more. Become part of the Water Science Basics!
Everything we do began with an idea.
We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot. Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests !
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Keystone Clean Water Team is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Unsolicited donations are appreciated (Helps us complete our mission).
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization). Water Science Basics!