Beneath the Surface: Exploring the Dangers of Asbestos Consumption

2021-11-10 13:14:50

Before its ban in France in 1997 due to its proven danger to humans through the respiratory tract, asbestos was used in various sectors, including construction. Thus, 4% of the French public network for the distribution of water intended for human consumption (EDCH) in France is still made up of asbestos cement. LThe risks of asbestos fibre emissions into distributed water remain low when the pipes are installed in stable soils that are not aggressive towards the pipes and when the water transported is calcifying, with scale deposits protecting the pipe. However, the risks of asbestos being present in water intended for human consumption cannot be ruled out in the case of very deteriorated pipes. ” indicate the scientists of the Water Risk Assessment Unit of ANSES. Since the main source of exposure to asbestos is air, work on the health risks associated with asbestos has, until now, mainly focused on this source of exposure. The last reference analysis carried out by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) in 2012 on the links between asbestos and the occurrence of cancers did not explicitly address the dangers associated with the ingestion route.

The expertise originated from two alarming studies, but with limitations

Two studies by an Italian research team, published in 2016 and 2017, concluded that the health risks associated with ingesting asbestos, particularly through daily consumption of drinking water, were underestimated. In its scientific and technical analysis note published in 2017, ANSES observed that these two studies were not robust enough: they had not assessed the quality of the publications on which they had based their conclusions and they did not take into account all the scientific publications available on the subject. The Agency was therefore asked to characterise the danger of asbestos through ingestion, by implementing a systematic review of scientific literature.

Inadequate evidence to conclude on cause and effect

To study the health hazards of asbestos ingestion, particularly on the development of digestive cancers (oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, etc.), the Agency has drawn up a complete inventory of current knowledge on this subject. Among the 4,409 studies in humans and 1,107 studies in animals recorded on the effect of asbestos, the experts identified 17 studies examining asbestos ingestion in the general population, 19 studying asbestos ingestion in animals and 41 examining occupational exposure to asbestos. The working group conducted a standardized assessment of these studies to determine the levels of evidence to characterize the plausibility of the link between exposure to asbestos and the occurrence of digestive cancers. This assessment led the experts to conclude that the levels of evidence were “inadequate”, meaning that the data published to date do not allow a decision to be made on the possibility or absence of an association between asbestos ingestion and digestive cancers. Most of the existing studies are old or have methodological limitations that do not allow them to demonstrate the causal link between the ingestion of asbestos and the occurrence of these cancers. “, explain the experts of the working group.

Signals for some cancers but no certainty

However, the existence of signals suggesting the possibility of an association between asbestos ingestion and three specific digestive cancers has been highlighted. These are cancers of the oesophagus, stomach and colon. This possibility is supported by epidemiological studies carried out in occupational settings reporting more cases of these cancers in workers exposed to asbestos than in the general population. A fraction of the asbestos inhaled by workers can in fact be swallowed and reach the digestive tract directly. However, the data do not allow us to reliably estimate the importance of this fraction compared to that which reaches these organs via the respiratory tract, passing through the lungs and the bloodstream, and therefore to be able to extrapolate these results to exposure by ingestion.

Surveillance campaigns recommended

Given the past use of asbestos in certain pipes, the Agency recommends carrying out campaigns targeted to detect the presence of possible asbestos fibres in WIHC likely to contain them. This data could feed into future studies or epidemiological surveillance work. Furthermore, the Agency recommends monitoring the condition of the pipes in asbestos cement, to ensure the rehabilitation or replacement of pipes in the event of deterioration.

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Here are some PAA (People Also Ask) questions​ related to the topic of “The⁣ Hidden Dangers of Asbestos Ingestion: A Growing Concern”:

The Hidden Dangers of Asbestos Ingestion: A​ Growing​ Concern

Asbestos, a known ⁤carcinogen, was widely ‌used ​in​ various industries, ⁢including⁢ construction, until‍ its ban ⁢in France⁣ in 1997. Despite its respiratory ‍risks being well-documented, the health⁤ implications of ingesting ‌asbestos have largely been ​overlooked. Recent studies ⁢have⁢ highlighted the potential ⁣dangers⁤ of asbestos ingestion, particularly through contaminated drinking water, sparking concerns ⁢about ‍the long-term health ‍effects of exposure to this⁤ hazardous substance.

Risks of Asbestos in Drinking⁢ Water

In France,‍ approximately 4% of the public ​water ⁣distribution network is still ‌comprised⁣ of asbestos cement pipes [[1]]. While the risks of asbestos⁢ fiber emissions into distributed​ water are‍ generally low, they cannot be ruled ‍out entirely, especially in cases where pipes are severely deteriorated ​ [[1]]. This raises concerns about the potential ⁢health impacts ​of ingesting asbestos-contaminated water.

Occupational Exposure and Cancer Risks

Occupational studies have consistently shown elevated death rates due to digestive ⁤system cancers among workers exposed to asbestos [[2]].⁤ Moreover, evidence suggests⁢ that ⁤ingesting asbestos can be hazardous, and ​further⁤ research is needed to establish‌ a risk threshold [[2]]. Asbestos ingestion has been linked to⁤ an ⁣increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers, ⁢including​ those of the oesophagus, stomach, and⁢ colon ⁣ [[3]].

Systematic⁤ Review ⁢of ⁣Scientific Literature

A comprehensive‌ analysis of existing studies‍ on asbestos ⁤ingestion ​was conducted to assess the health hazards ‌associated ⁣with this exposure route. The review revealed 17 studies examining asbestos ingestion in‍ the general population, 19 in animals,​ and 41 in‍ occupational settings. However, the experts ⁣concluded that ‍the levels of evidence were “inadequate” to establish a‌ causal link⁤ between asbestos‌ ingestion and‌ digestive cancers due to ⁣methodological⁤ limitations and the age of the existing studies [[1]].

Signals of Association ​with Digestive ⁢Cancers

Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, epidemiological studies have identified signals suggesting a possible ​association between asbestos ingestion and three specific⁤ digestive cancers: oesophagus,​ stomach, and colon [[1]]. These findings are ‍supported by occupational⁣ studies reporting higher incidence rates of these cancers among workers exposed to asbestos ⁢compared to⁣ the general​ population.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The potential health ⁢risks associated with‍ asbestos ingestion, ‌particularly through contaminated drinking ⁤water, are a growing concern. While ‌the evidence is not ​yet conclusive,‍ it⁤ is essential to continue​ studying the health impacts of asbestos ingestion to better understand the risks involved. A systematic review of scientific literature and further research are necessary to establish a risk threshold and inform guidelines for safe exposure ⁤limits. Ultimately, prioritizing the safety of our drinking water and working towards the complete eradication ​of asbestos‌ from our environment are ​crucial‌ steps ‌in⁢ protecting public ​health.

References:

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I sanded asbestos am I in trouble

The Hidden Dangers of Asbestos Ingestion: A Growing Concern

Asbestos, a known carcinogen, has been used in various sectors, including construction, before its ban in France in 1997. Despite its proven danger to humans through the respiratory tract, the risks associated with asbestos ingestion have not been extensively studied. In fact, 4% of the French public network for water distribution is still made up of asbestos cement, which may pose health risks if the pipes are deteriorated [1[1].

The Health Risks of Asbestos Ingestion

When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can get trapped in the lungs or digestive tract, leading to the buildup of fibers over time. While the main source of exposure to asbestos is air, the health risks associated with ingesting asbestos, particularly through daily consumption of drinking water, are increasingly concerning [2[2]. In fact, a fraction of the asbestos inhaled by workers can be swallowed and pass directly into the digestive tract, highlighting the need for further research on the subject [3[3].

Limitations of Existing Studies

Two alarming studies by an Italian research team, published in 2016 and 2017, concluded that the health risks associated with ingesting asbestos were underestimated. However, these studies were found to have methodological limitations, and their conclusions were not robust enough [1[1]. As a result, the Agency for National Security and Environmental Protection (ANSES) was asked to characterize the danger of asbestos through ingestion by implementing a systematic review of scientific literature.

Inadequate Evidence to Conclude on Cause and Effect

To study the health hazards of asbestos ingestion, particularly on the development of digestive cancers, ANSES conducted a complete inventory of current knowledge on the subject. The experts identified 17 studies examining asbestos ingestion in the general population, 19 studying asbestos ingestion in animals, and 41 examining occupational exposure to asbestos. However, the assessment led the experts to conclude that the levels of evidence were “inadequate”, meaning that the data published to date do not allow a decision to be made on the possibility or absence of an association between asbestos ingestion and digestive cancers [1[1].

Signals for Some Cancers but No Certainty

While the existing studies suggest a possible link between asbestos ingestion and the occurrence of digestive cancers, the evidence is not conclusive. The experts found that most of the existing studies are old or have methodological limitations that do not allow them to demonstrate the causal link between the ingestion of asbestos and the occurrence of these cancers [1[1].

Surveillance Campaigns Recommended

Given the limitations of existing studies and the potential health risks associated with asbestos ingestion, surveillance campaigns are recommended to monitor the health effects of asbestos exposure. This includes monitoring water quality, particularly in areas where asbestos pipes are still in use, and conducting further research on the health hazards of asbestos ingestion.

People Also Ask (PAA) Questions

1. What are the health risks associated with ingesting asbestos?
2. Can asbestos in drinking water cause cancer?
3. How can