2021-11-10 13:14:50
Asbestos was used in various industries, especially construction, before a ban was enacted in France in 1997 due to the dangers it posed to humans through the respiratory tract. As a result, 4% of France’s public water supply network for human consumption (EDCH) still consists of asbestos cement. ” LWhen pipes are installed in stable soils that are not aggressive to the pipes and the water conveyed is calcified, the risk of discharging asbestos fibers in distributed water remains low and scale deposits can protect the pipes. However, if the pipes deteriorate significantly, the risk of asbestos in water intended for human consumption cannot be ruled out. » Point out scientists from Anses Water Risk Assessment Unit. The primary source of exposure to asbestos is the air, and work on asbestos-related health risks to date has focused primarily on this source of exposure. The last reference analysis of the link between asbestos and cancer development by IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) in 2012 did not clearly indicate the dangers associated with ingestion.
Two alarmist studies on the origins of expertise have their limitations
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Two studies published by an Italian research team in 2016 and 2017 concluded that the health risks associated with ingesting asbestos, especially through daily drinking water, would be underestimated. In a scientific and technical analysis published in 2017, ANSES noted that the two studies were not robust enough: they did not assess the quality of the publications on which their conclusions were based, nor did they take into account all scientific publications that could be found on the topic. Therefore, the IAEA was asked to implement a measure to characterize the hazards of asbestos ingestion. Systematic review of scientific literature.
Evidence is insufficient to determine causation
In order to study the health hazards of ingestion of asbestos, in particular the development of cancers of the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, etc.), the IAEA has developed a comprehensive inventory of current knowledge on the subject. Of the 4,409 human studies and 1,107 animal studies that determined the effects of asbestos, experts identified 17 studies that examined asbestos ingestion in the general population, 19 studies that examined asbestos ingestion in animals, and 41 studies that examined occupational exposure to asbestos. situation. The task force conducted a standardized review of these studies to determine the level of evidence that would allow a plausibility of an association between asbestos exposure and the development of gastrointestinal cancers to be described. This assessment led the experts to conclude that the level of evidence was “inadequate,” meaning that the data published so far do not allow us to comment on whether there is a link between asbestos ingestion and digestive tract cancers. ” Most existing studies are old or have methodological limitations that prevent them from proving a causal link between asbestos ingestion and the development of these cancers. », explains the experts of the working group.
Some cancer signs but not certain
However, signals suggesting a possible link between asbestos ingestion and three specific digestive tract cancers have been highlighted. These are esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer. This possibility is supported by epidemiological studies conducted in professional settings, which reported more cases of these cancers among workers exposed to asbestos than in the general population. In fact, a small amount of the asbestos breathed in by workers can be swallowed and reach directly into the digestive tract. However, these data do not allow us to reliably estimate the importance of this fraction compared with the fraction reaching these organs via the respiratory tract, lungs, and blood circulation, making it impossible to extrapolate these results to ingestive exposure.
Recommended monitoring activities
Given the past use of asbestos in some pipes, the agency recommends Activity targeted Test for the presence of asbestos fibers in EDCH that may contain asbestos fibers. These data could be used in future research or epidemiological surveillance efforts. Additionally, the agency recommends monitoring Condition of pipeline Asbestos cement to ensure pipes are repaired or replaced if damage occurs.
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Understanding the Risks of Asbestos Exposure: A Comprehensive Review
Asbestos, once widely utilized in industries, particularly construction, has a notorious reputation due to its health hazards. In France, the use of asbestos was banned in 1997, primarily due to its adverse effects on respiratory health. Despite this, approximately 4% of France’s public water supply network still consists of asbestos cement pipes. While the potential for asbestos fiber release in drinking water is deemed low under specific conditions, significant pipe deterioration raises concerns about asbestos contamination in water intended for human consumption.
The Health Risks Associated with Asbestos
According to scientists from the ANSES Water Risk Assessment Unit, when asbestos-cement pipes are correctly installed in stable soils and convey calcified water, the chances of asbestos fiber discharge remain minimal. Scale deposits can act as a protective barrier for the pipes. However, if the integrity of these pipes deteriorates, the risk for asbestos fibers contamination in drinking water cannot be ignored.
While air remains the primary source of asbestos exposure, recent studies have shifted focus toward understanding the implications of ingesting asbestos through contaminated water. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) last reviewed the correlation between asbestos and cancer in 2012, leaving unanswered questions about the health risks associated with asbestos ingestion.
Alarmist Studies and Their Limitations
Two Italian studies released in 2016 and 2017 suggested that the health risks linked to ingesting asbestos, particularly through daily drinking water, could be underestimated. However, the ANSES published a scientific analysis in 2017, highlighting the lack of robustness in these studies. They criticized the studies for failing to assess the quality of the publications on which their conclusions were based and for not considering the full range of scientific literature available on the topic.
To further investigate these claims, ANSES urged the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) to conduct a systematic review of asbestos ingestion concerns.
Evaluating Evidence of Cancer Causation
To better understand the health risks of ingesting asbestos, the IAEA compiled an extensive review of existing research. In total, they examined 4,409 human studies and 1,107 animal studies related to asbestos exposure. The findings revealed only 17 studies involved human ingestion, 19 studies involved animal ingestion, and 41 studies focused on occupational exposure.
The task force’s review concluded that the evidence linking asbestos ingestion to digestive tract cancers, such as esophagus, stomach, and small intestine cancers, is largely inadequate. Existing research often suffered from methodological flaws or was outdated, making it difficult to establish a causal relationship.
Possible Links to Specific Cancers
Despite the inconclusive evidence, certain signals suggest a potential correlation between asbestos ingestion and specific digestive tract cancers, notably esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer. This possibility is bolstered by epidemiological studies observing elevated cancer occurrences among workers exposed to asbestos compared to the general population.
It’s essential to note that a fraction of inhaled asbestos may be swallowed, allowing it to reach the digestive tract. However, these findings do not provide reliable data to quantify the significance of this ingestion compared to the respiratory pathway.
Conclusion: The Need for Ongoing Research
Asbestos remains a concerning topic within public health discussions. While inhalation exposure has been well-studied, the implications of ingestion through asbestos-contaminated drinking water require further examination. Current studies highlight the need for more rigorous research to clarify the relationship between asbestos ingestion and potential cancers.
With ongoing efforts to assess the safety of water supplies and greater awareness of asbestos-related health issues, it is crucial to continue monitoring and investigating the risks presented by this hazardous material. Public health agencies must prioritize comprehensive research to mitigate risks and ensure water safety for all citizens.
By enhancing our understanding of asbestos exposure pathways, we can better protect public health and navigate the complexities linked to this once-common industrial material.
