Key Takeaways
- Asbestos cement (AC) is Portland cement (clay and limestone) reinforced with asbestos. It was used for approximately 50 years in American infrastructure — primarily in water pipes, roofing, and building siding.
- An estimated 600,000 miles of water pipes in the United States and Canada are still the original AC pipes built decades ago — and many are still in active use today.
- The American Water Works Association estimates AC pipes have a lifespan of 65 to 105 years, while other organizations estimate closer to 50 years. Either way, many of these pipes have begun — or will soon begin — degrading.
- When AC pipes degrade or are mechanically disturbed, asbestos fibers can dislodge into the water supply — contaminating the water people use for drinking, bathing, and household use.
- There is no consensus on the best approach: full abatement (removal and replacement) would cost billions and expose abatement workers to dangerous asbestos levels. Repair-as-needed approaches are less costly but leave aging infrastructure in place.
- Communities with AC pipes should be regularly testing their water for asbestos and conducting routine pipe inspections to identify and address issues before they become dangerous.
What is Asbestos Cement?
Asbestos cement (AC) is Portland cement (made of clay and limestone) fortified with asbestos. It
was in use for approximately 50 years in the United States, in which it was used to create pipes,
reinforce roofs, and act as siding augmentation for houses and larger buildings. Most discourse
around AC revolves around the pipes that were constructed: about 600,000 miles of the U.S. and
Canada’s pipes are still the AC pipes that were built decades ago. AC was a widely utilized
medium because of its resistance to corrosion, the ease with which water flows against its
surface, and its relatively inexpensive materials. Despite numerous studies detailing the negative
health effects of asbestos, companies still used AC for decades.
Issues with Asbestos Cement
Researchers and environmental experts have conflicting views on the extant asbestos cement pipe system. Some argue that the water is safe, considering the structural integrity of the pipes; there is little
chance for asbestos-contaminated water because the asbestos is sealed in with other compounds.
Others, like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) claim that any exposure
(or risk of exposure) is dangerous and should be completely avoided.
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) estimates that the lifespan of AC pipes is
around 65-105 years, assuming regular maintenance and upkeep. Other organizations estimate
that their lifespan is approximately 50 years. Regardless of lifespan disparities, an important
point still stands: these pipes will begin–and have already begun–degrading. Although not
susceptible to normal metal corrosion, the degradation of AC pipes is quantifiably more
dangerous than other pipes. When mechanically disturbed or moved, asbestos fibers will become
dislodged from the pipes–this means a serious asbestos contamination of the water that people
use to drink, bathe, and water their plants with. Local and federal governments need to decide on
a plan, either for repair or replacement, in order to protect their citizens–especially considering
the breadth of AC pipe usage.
Should Existing AC be Abated?
There are several informed opinions concerning the treatment of AC pipes. Some professionals
are proponents of abatement, or the removal and replacement of the pipes. The process of pipe
abatement would cost billions in a.) the cost of new pipe material; b.) hiring abatement
specialists and contractors; and c.) the repurposing or disposal of asbestos. Plus, abatement
specialists, despite protective gear, are exposed to critically high levels of asbestos. (Despite
banning all asbestos products in 1992, Italy’s asbestos abatement specialists were exposed to
extremely high levels of airborne asbestos, even decades after the ban.)
The answer to the abatement question should be nuanced and contextual. Risk analysis in
individual communities should be assessed before any action is made, i.e., asking questions like,
will replacing AC pipes be more beneficial to the community, or would it be objectively better to
repair as needed? Ideally, communities that are equipped with AC pipes should be regularly
testing their water for asbestos and should instate routine checks of the pipes. This way, any
issues can be addressed immediately.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please call 1 (800)-505-6000 or fill
out our form. We are here to help you navigate the legal process of filing a claim to receive
compensation for your mesothelioma diagnosis. We help mesothelioma victims and their
families in Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is asbestos cement?
Asbestos cement (AC) is a construction material made by combining Portland cement (clay and limestone) with asbestos fibers. The asbestos was added to increase durability, corrosion resistance, and structural strength. AC was used extensively in the United States for approximately 50 years — primarily to build water pipes, but also for roofing and building siding. It was popular because it was resistant to corrosion, allowed water to flow smoothly against its surface, and was relatively inexpensive to produce.
How much of America’s water infrastructure still uses asbestos cement pipes?
An estimated 600,000 miles of water pipes across the United States and Canada are still the original asbestos cement pipes that were installed decades ago. Many of these pipes remain in active use today, delivering water to homes, schools, and businesses. Despite their age and the known health risks of asbestos, most have never been replaced.
When do asbestos cement pipes become dangerous?
AC pipes are generally considered safe while their structural integrity is maintained — the asbestos is sealed within the cement compound. They become dangerous when they degrade with age or are mechanically disturbed (such as during repairs, construction, or natural ground movement). When this happens, asbestos fibers can break free from the pipe walls and contaminate the water flowing through them. Given that the estimated lifespan of these pipes is 50 to 105 years, many are now reaching or exceeding their expected service life.
Can asbestos in water pipes contaminate drinking water?
Yes. When asbestos cement pipes degrade or are disturbed, microscopic asbestos fibers can dislodge from the pipe walls and enter the water supply. This contaminated water is then used by households for drinking, bathing, cooking, and other daily activities. While there is ongoing debate about the health risks of ingesting asbestos through water versus inhaling airborne fibers, OSHA maintains that any exposure to asbestos — in any form — is dangerous and should be avoided.
Should asbestos cement pipes be removed or repaired?
There is no consensus among experts. The two main approaches:
- Full abatement (removal and replacement) — the most thorough solution, but would cost billions of dollars across the country. It also exposes abatement workers to critically high levels of airborne asbestos during the removal process, even with protective gear.
- Repair-as-needed — less expensive and less disruptive, but leaves aging infrastructure in place, with the risk of future degradation and contamination.
The best approach depends on each community’s specific situation — the age and condition of their pipes, the results of water testing, and available resources. At minimum, communities should be regularly testing their water for asbestos and conducting routine pipe inspections.
Are abatement workers at risk during AC pipe removal?
Yes. Even with protective equipment, abatement workers are exposed to elevated levels of airborne asbestos when removing AC pipes. Italy’s experience provides a cautionary example: despite banning all asbestos products in 1992, Italian abatement specialists were exposed to extremely high levels of airborne asbestos during removal work — even decades after the ban. This is one of the primary reasons some experts advocate for repair-as-needed approaches rather than full removal.
Does Pennsylvania have asbestos cement water pipes?
Given that Pennsylvania has some of the oldest water infrastructure in the country — particularly in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Scranton — it is highly likely that AC pipes remain in use across parts of the state. Pennsylvania’s industrial history means that many of its water systems were built during the peak era of AC pipe installation. Residents concerned about their local water infrastructure should contact their municipal water authority to ask whether AC pipes are present and whether asbestos testing is being conducted.
What should I do if I believe I’ve been exposed to asbestos through contaminated water?
If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos — through contaminated water, your workplace, your home, or any other source — and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, documenting your exposure history is a critical first step. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
