Asbestos is one of the most-studied toxicants, with extensive scientific literature spanning many decades. Inhaling, then swallowing fibres cleared from lungs, was described by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and concluded that asbestos is a known human carcinogen. Abdominal cancers associated with airborne asbestos are presumed to arise from swallowing contaminated phlegm cleared from the respiratory tract, but contaminated drinking water is another potential exposure route. Ongoing work advocates for essential safeguards against asbestos exposure from all sources including our drinking water. Because many Canadian municipalities still use asbestos cement pipes, asbestos may release into drinking water. Currently there is no guidance on asbestos in drinking water. The Canadian government should develop drinking water standards for asbestos to protect the health of Canadians from asbestos exposure.
CELA, along with Prevent Cancer Now and Friends of the Earth responded to a draft Guidance on Asbestos in Drinking Water.
This publication is found on the Canadian Environmental Law Archive website; click here to open it in a new tab.
Response to Draft Guidance on Asbestos in Drinking Water
Asbestos is one of the most-studied toxicants, with extensive scientific literature spanning many decades. Inhaling, then swallowing fibres cleared from lungs, was described by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and concluded that asbestos is a known human carcinogen. Abdominal cancers associated with airborne asbestos are presumed to arise from swallowing contaminated phlegm cleared from the respiratory tract, but contaminated drinking water is another potential exposure route. Ongoing work advocates for essential safeguards against asbestos exposure from all sources including our drinking water. Because many Canadian municipalities still use asbestos cement pipes, asbestos may release into drinking water. Currently there is no guidance on asbestos in drinking water. The Canadian government should develop drinking water standards for asbestos to protect the health of Canadians from asbestos exposure.
CELA, along with Prevent Cancer Now and Friends of the Earth responded to a draft Guidance on Asbestos in Drinking Water.
This publication is found on the Canadian Environmental Law Archive website; click here to open it in a new tab.
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