April 24th, 2007

According to recent reports asbestos water pipes are still being utilized in Haryana for the purpose of administering water supplies, despite the fact that the pipes have been banned all over the world because of the carcinogenic risks associated with their use. The reports state that the government in Haryana is purchasing asbestos piping every year, many of which are used to supply water in rural areas.

In 1995 a report was issued by the technical committee set up by the Union ministry of industry highlighting the dangers of this piping and confirming that the piping had been banned in at least forty four countries because of its ability to cause cancer. Asbestos is a known carcinogenic, and can cause a form of cancer known as mesothelioma through exposure, as well as various other health problems. Since this time the number of countries that have banned the piping has gone up to one hundred and three, but the government in Haryana still continued to use it.

Dalip Singh, commissioner, public health, Haryana has stated that “he was against use of asbestos pipes for water supply as asbestos was a deadly carcinogen.” He added that “asbestos cement pipes, used for transportation of potable water, was more of a threat as water causes degradation of pipes and asbestos fibre gets released in drinking water.”

Singh finally went on to state that “unless asbestos was banned, the real cost of asbestos may be paid in death and disability.”