Asbestos cement pipes, once a popular choice for water supply and sewage systems due to their durability and resistance to corrosion, now pose a significant health risk as they age and degrade. In the Middle East, the risk of asbestos exposure from these pipes is a growing concern, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas and regions with aging infrastructure.

Why Are Asbestos Cement Pipes a Concern?

Asbestos cement pipes can release harmful asbestos fibers into the environment when they deteriorate or are damaged. These fibers, when inhaled, can lead to serious health issues, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Understanding the risks and implementing proper safety measures is crucial for protecting public health.

Factors Contributing to Asbestos Exposure from Cement Pipes

1. Degradation and Damage

Aging Infrastructure: Over time, asbestos cement pipes become brittle and more likely to crack, releasing asbestos fibers.

Mechanical Damage: Construction and repair work can disturb these pipes, causing fiber release.

2. Environmental Conditions

Heat and Humidity: The extreme weather conditions in the Middle East can accelerate pipe degradation.

Natural Disasters: Floods, earthquakes and other disasters can damage asbestos-containing infrastructure, leading to fiber release.

3. Poor Handling and Maintenance Practices

Inadequate Maintenance: Lack of regular inspections can lead to undetected damage.

Improper Handling: Without proper training, workers may mishandle asbestos cement pipes, increasing exposure risks.

4. Urban and Rural Development

Urbanisation: Rapid development can disturb existing asbestos cement pipes during construction activities.

Rural Areas: In regions with less stringent regulations, unsafe handling practices may be more common.

5. Occupational Exposure

Construction Workers: Those involved in construction, demolition, or maintenance are at high risk.

Water Utility Workers: Employees maintaining or repairing aging infrastructure may come into contact with damaged pipes.

Health Implications of Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos fibers from damaged or deteriorating pipes can lead to severe health problems:

Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease causing scarring of lung tissue.
Mesothelioma: A rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Lung Cancer: Increased risk, especially among smokers exposed to asbestos.
Other Cancers: Linked to cancers of the larynx, ovary, and gastrointestinal tract.

Mitigation Measures

To protect against asbestos exposure, it is essential to:

Conduct Asbestos Surveys: Regularly inspect infrastructure to identify asbestos-containing materials.
Implement Safety Protocols: Establish and enforce strict safety measures for handling and removing asbestos cement pipes.
Training and Awareness: Provide comprehensive training on asbestos hazards and proper handling techniques.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to local and international asbestos regulations.
Proper Disposal: Follow procedures for safe disposal at licensed asbestos disposal sites.

If you have any Asbestos related concerns, contact us to see how Anthesis Consulting Middle East can help you:

Charles Faulkner (Head of Environment, Health and Safety, and Asbestos Team Leader)

Phone: +971 (0) 50 5541 320
Email: asbestos@anthesisgroup.com