In Spain, asbestos-containing fiber cement pipes were widely used during the 20th century due to their resistance and durability.
However, due to the health risks associated with asbestos, its use was banned in 2001 with Royal Decree 396/2006, which also established protocols for its removal and handling. Since then, there have been efforts to remove and replace these pipes across the country.
Approximately 40 thousand kilometers of fiber cement pipes exist in Spain, data from 2016. This means 1 in every 5 supply pipes are made of fiber cement.
What are fiber cement pipes?
Fiber cement pipes are a common type of conduit used in drinking water and drainage systems in older buildings. They are mainly composed of cement, reinforcing fibers such as asbestos, silica and water.
These pipes were popular in the past due to their durability and resistance to wear, but their use has declined due to health concerns related to asbestos, which has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). ).
Consequently, fiber cement pipes are currently being phased out and replaced by safer materials such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PE (polyethylene) in many parts of the world.
Asbestos-containing fiber cement pipes affect health
Asbestos-containing asbestos cement pipes can pose a serious risk to human health.
The danger of asbestos lies in the microscopic fibers that can be released when the material is damaged or decomposed over time. These fibers are small enough to be inhaled and become trapped in the lungs, which can cause various serious diseases, such as asbestosis or lung cancer.
These health problems do not develop immediately after exposure to asbestos, but can take decades to appear. For this reason, it is essential to avoid exposure to asbestos whenever possible.
Detection of asbestos in asbestos cement pipes
To know if an asbestos cement pipe contains asbestos, three methods can be carried out for its correct detection:
Checking the installation date
First, it is essential to identify when the fiber cement pipes were laid. If they date from before 2002, they could contain that material.
If you want to know more about how to recognize asbestos , we leave you this article that clarifies it perfectly.
Pipe inspection
Given its age, it is possible that it has cracks or damage, which could contaminate the circulating water. It is believed that, after 40 years, the thickness of the pipe could decrease by up to 8 millimeters.
For this reason, it is crucial to check for the presence of gray or white residue on the tube surface. They could also be found in pipe connections or assemblies.
Usually, an asbestos census is carried out on buildings and it gives us clues about the materials used in that area and in specific buildings, which probably use the same materials for asbestos cement pipes.
Material evaluation
It is necessary to take a sample following occupational safety regulations and send it to a certified laboratory.
Regulations for asbestos cement pipes
Asbestos fiber cement , previously popular in pipes for its strength, has been recognized as a health risk due to its carcinogenic potential.
Many countries have implemented strict regulations, prohibiting its use, production and sale. When removing or replacing these pipes, it is vital to do so with procedures that prevent the release of fibers.
This includes moistening the pipes to limit dust and disposing of them in specialized locations. Existing pipes should be inspected and maintained regularly to prevent deterioration.
The priority is to ensure safety and compliance with regulations, protecting public health from the dangers associated with asbestos in fiber cement.
How to cut an asbestos cement pipe
Cutting asbestos-containing fiber cement pipe requires protective equipment, including masks and appropriate clothing. The pipe should be moistened to minimize dust.
The use of manual tools, avoiding electric tools, reduces the release of fibers. The cut should be slow, with the area constantly moistened. Subsequent cleanup and waste disposal must follow specific regulations to handle asbestos safely.
Decontamination of equipment and clothing is essential. The intervention of trained professionals is recommended to guarantee safety during the process, thus protecting the health of all those involved.
In summary, asbestos cement pipe has been a common choice in the past due to its durability and fire resistance. However, as we have learned more about the health risks associated with asbestos, it is clear that this option is no longer safe or advisable. Exposure to asbestos can have serious health consequences, such as lung disease and cancer, making it imperative to avoid its use and consider replacing asbestos cement pipes with safer alternatives.
If you have asbestos-containing fiber cement pipes in your home or workplace, it is essential to take steps to remove them and replace them with safer materials. The safety and health of people must always be at the forefront, and asbestos removal is an essential part of that process. Consult with asbestos removal professionals and be sure to follow regulations and recommended practices to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
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