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.

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.

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.

EPA Website on Asbestos

Quizlet on Asbestos

City Water Customers for Public Water Supplies – Check your consumer confidence report.

Healthy Homes / Healthy Community Article on Asbestos

EPA Announces Nationwide Action Plan to Address PFAS Water Contamination

Andrew Wheeler, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s acting administrator, unveiled the Agency’s PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) action plan to address growing concerns around tainted drinking water and groundwater nationwide during a news conference on February 14 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In his address, Wheeler indicated the EPA will propose a regulatory determination, which is the next step in the Safe Drinking Water Act process, for establishing a federal maximum contaminant limit (MCL) for PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) by the end of 2019. Wheeler also said the Agency would continue its enforcement actions, clarify remediation strategies, expand monitoring of PFAS in the environment, and enhance the research and science for addressing the contaminants by developing new analytical methods and tools. The EPA’s current health advisory level for PFAS is 70 parts per trillion.

The National Ground Water Association applauds the EPA’s decision to move forward with the MCL process for PFOA and PFOS and urges the Agency to rely on sound science to make the determination as promptly as is feasible. Moving towards establishing an MCL will provide the national certainty required to ensure effective clean-up at sites around the country.

“PFAS contamination is a national crisis that requires national leadership, and the EPA’s announcement is an important step in providing that leadership,” said Lauren Schapker, government affairs director at NGWA. “As the EPA begins implementation of the PFAS management plan, NGWA will continue to work with the Agency to address the unique challenges facing rural areas and private well owners, and to ensure the technical and financial resources are made available to address the crisis.”

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PFAS / PFOS Drinking Water Testing of YOUR Water !

PFAS has been on NGWA’s radar for several years and will remain a priority issue for the foreseeable future. The Association has created a Groundwater and PFAS resource center for NGWA members. The center includes PFAS FAQs, top 10 facts about PFAS, and a homeowner checklist, among other items. NGWA is also the publisher of the guidance document, Groundwater and PFAS: State of Knowledge and Practice.

As in 2018, NGWA is hosting educational events on PFAS this year as well:

• PFAS in Groundwater Workshop: The Professional’s Challenge, June 18 in Westerville, Ohio
• The PFAS Management, Mitigation, and Remediation Conference, June 19-20 in Westerville, Ohio
• PFAS in Groundwater Workshop: The Professional’s Challenge, December 5 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Full Article

We are recommending the installation of a final barrier filter on your drinking water and you should learn more about the consumer products that contain PFOA and PFOS, because it is not just your drinking water.

Water Quality Association supports PFAS Plan for Drinking Water

EPA suggests consumers have water tested and use certified in-home filtration to remove or reduce levels of these toxic chemicals
LISLE, Ill. – The Water Quality Association supports the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) taking steps toward setting a safety threshold for highly toxic drinking water contaminants known as PFAS. Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on Thursday outlined a plan that addresses drinking water and cleanup concerns as well as monitoring of PFAS, expanding research and improving enforcement.

“We are encouraged that the EPA is continuing to move forward with establishing a consistent standard across the country for these dangerous chemicals,” said WQA Global Government Affairs Director David Loveday. “We strongly support the action plan’s recommendations that consumers have their drinking water checked by a certified laboratory and then use certified in-home filtration to remove or reduce any chemicals found.”

In September, a letter from WQA supporting further study of human health risks of PFAS contamination and using in-home treatment technologies to combat them was introduced into testimony before a U.S. House Energy and Commerce subcommittee. Research shows POU/POE treatment “can be used to successfully treat for these contaminants at the home or in a building,” said the letter from WQA Executive Director Pauli Undesser. “They cost only a fraction of the price our society would need to bear to upgrade our drinking water treatment plants for PFAS removal.”

Last May, Loveday and WQA Technical Affairs Director Eric Yeggy took part in the EPA’s PFAS National Leadership Summit, which called for a national management plan.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known collectively as PFAS, are man-made chemicals found in such things as firefighting foams and stain-resistant, waterproof and nonstick coatings. Because they break down slowly, if at all, they have turned up in drinking water systems across the nation in varying levels. Some individual states have begun regulating the chemicals.

For individuals concerned about PFAS, the EPA Plan states:
“The EPA recommends contacting your state for a list of laboratories that are certified to test for PFAS using EPA Method 537. If you find PFAS in your drinking water, certain PFAS can be reduced or removed through the use of in-home point-of-use or point-of-entry water filters. It is important to keep in mind that any in-home treatment device should be certified by an independent party.”

In-home technologies such as reverse osmosis, carbon filtration and anion exchange have been independently tested and proven to be a successful final barrier to treat drinking water for PFAS.

WQA is a non-for-profit, accredited independent third-party certification body by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada. WQA’s website provides additional information on PFAS chemicals and product certification.

As part of its annual DC Fly-In and the Water Resources Congressional Summit on March 5 and 6, WQA members and staff will discuss PFAS in meetings with Congressional and federal agency staffs. Fly-In registration is open through Friday, Feb. 15.

WQA is a not-for-profit trade association representing the residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment industry. WQA’s education and professional certification programs have been providing industry-standardized training and credentialing since 1977. The WQA Gold Seal certification program has been certifying products that contribute to the safe consumption of water since 1959. The WQA Gold Seal program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).

pfas_fact_sheet_history_and_use__11_13_17

Water Testing Links

PFAS and GenX Water Testing

Microplastics in Water

Microplastics in Bottled Water – New Study

Study Summary:

New For 2019! Water Conservation Tools – Drip Calculator

We found an interesting educational and information tool for 2019 – The Drip Calculator

10 drips per minute – 5.45 liters per day  (1 liter = 0.26 gallons).  You are wasting 1.3 gallons per day, 39 gallons per month (30 days) and , 474.5 gallons per year per faucet.