Pipe-bursting or Complete Removal of Asbestos Pipes
There is a new system that is and has been used for replacing deteriorating water pipes that contain asbestos called pipe-bursting. Until the mid-1980’s, it was very common for pipes used for major water lines to be constructed with asbestos. Now, decades later, as those pipes are needing to be replaced with non-asbestos containing plastic water lines, the question arises of what to do with the older contaminated pipes.
Asbestos is a substance that can cause serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, an incurable cancer. Asbestos, when airborne, can be inhaled and lodge in the lining of the heart, lungs or abdomen. Decades later, mesothelioma develops. So far, there has been little progress on effective therapies and the median survival from time of diagnosis of mesothelioma is less than a year.
With such a potential threat, controversy exists over how to replace asbestos containing water pipes. Some argue there is less threat of exposure to burst the pipes underground, and leave them buried three to four feet below the surface. Others argue that such methods leave too high a risk for future disturbance and release of asbestos should development of that land occur. In addition, the asbestos left underground could cause an environmental risk and even cause toxic exposure in the course of planting trees and vegetation.
Often it comes down to money. It is less expensive and much faster process to burst the pipes and leave them than to remove them, especially given that environmental safety standards for removal would have to be adhered to. Seminole County and Casselberry in Central Florida are now facing that decision, with contradictory and opposing opinions on the best method to use for replacing their asbestos cement water pipes. Hopefully the choice that most protects the safety of all for years to come will be made despite immediate costs concerns.
