| Publication Date |
1986 |
| Personal Author |
Lemen, R.; Meinhardt, T.; Becking, G.; Cantor, K.; Cherner, J. |
| Page Count |
58 |
| Abstract |
Cancer risks associated with ingestion of asbestos are discussed. Asbestos contamination of drinking water is considered. At least 66.5 percent of the United States water systems are capable of eroding asbestos cement pipes. The ability of water to leach asbestos from asbestos cement pipes can be modified by coatings applied to the inside pipe surface. Asbestos contamination in foods or pharmaceuticals is discussed. Asbestos fibers at concentrations of 1.1 to 172.7 million fibers per liter have been found in beverages. To date, studies supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have provided no evidence that ingesting asbestos results in an increased cancer risk. The FDA has determined that no prohibition on using asbestos filters in processing food, beverages, and non parenteral drugs is needed. Toxicological studies on asbestos ingestion and carcinogenicity are reviewed. Epidemiological evaluations of the association between drinking water supplies containing asbestos and cancer mortality are discussed. It is concluded that the available information is insufficient for assessing the risk of cancer associated with ingesting asbestos. |
| Keywords |
|
| Source Agency |
|
| NTIS Subject Category |
|
| Corporate Authors |
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH. |
| Document Type |
Technical Report |
| NTIS Issue Number |
199006 |
