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Saturday, March 13, 2004
Water firm says asbestos pipes pose no harm
By Aurea A. Gerundio
DAVAO -- Davao City Water District (DCWD) spokesman Dominador Lopez on Friday assured that the remaining asbestos pipes being used by the district for water distribution does not pose as health hazard to consumers.
Lopez said that, based on the manual of the Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water, which was recognized by the Department of Health, "asbestos pipes are not hazardous to human health."
"It was stated in the manual that chemicals of no health significance and concentration are normally found in drinking water but these asbestos pipes are not hazardous to health. If it is in a form of gas, delikado siya," Lopez said.
However, researches showed the use of asbestos pipes had long been banned due to its cancer-causing elements. Asbestos mainly affects the lungs and the membrane that surrounds the lungs. Intake of high levels of asbestos fibers for a long time may result in scar-like tissue in the lungs and in the pleural membrane (lining) that surrounds the lung.
This disease is called asbestosis. People with asbestosis have difficulty breathing, often a cough, and in severe cases heart enlargement. Asbestosis is a serious disease and can eventually lead to disability and death.
Lopez explained that the remaining asbestos pipes in the city are covered with cement.
"But these are all due for replacement soon. What DCWD is using now are steel pipes covered in cement," he added.
Lopez said about 800 meters of asbestos pipe are due for replacement by the DCWD. Asbestos pipes along Tulip Drive going to the area in Ecoland will be replaced, he said.
Lopez, however, said the asbestos pipes would be abandoned once the proposed transmission line from McArthur street to the junction of San Pedro and Quezon Boulevard is installed.
He said there is not enough budget for the installation of the transmission line, which would cost around P15 to P20 million.
Meanwhile, a resident of Juna Subdivision near the Philippine Women's College on Friday expressed alarm over reports that the Davao City Water District is still using asbestos pipes in their water delivery services in the city.
Agnes Carreon, owner of Campus Link store beside PWC, said they are unaware of DCWD's continued use of asbestos pipe until Friday. She said they had been drinking tap water from the faucet, believing it is safe.
She said that from now on she will no longer drink tap water nor will she let her children drink the water supplied by DCWD.
Carreon said she can drink mineral water, but pities students who have no choice but to drink tap water for lack of budget.
Sun.Star Davao tried but failed to get the reaction of PWC officials on the matter.
Meanwhile, A DCWD employee last Thursday admitted that some areas in Ecoland and Juna Subdivision are still using asbestos pipes. It was learned that on that same day, a busted asbestos pipe was replaced with a new PVC pipe by the DCWD.
The employee said there are other areas scheduled for re-piping and the pipes are to be replaced with PVC and steel pipes. With BOT
(March 13, 2004 issue)
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