Alert: Asbestos Used in Coating of Some Imported Cast Iron Pipe and Fittings

According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of at least one importer of cast iron DWV material, asbestos is being used to coat pipe and fittings in an attempt to minimize leakage. This in spite of strict environmental laws preventing the use of asbestos in such applications, the violation of which could put hundreds or thousands of plumbers and the public in danger from exposure to this known carcinogen.

"We were shocked to see asbestos reported in the MSDS data," said AB&I's Kip Wixson.

Though reported in the MSDS as encapsulated in asphalt, the question arises as to what happens to the asbestos when the pipe is cut in the field using a saw? Is the dust that results from such cutting exposing plumbers and others to dangerous airborne asbestos?

"I just can't believe anybody is still using asbestos for this type of thing," said Wixson, who also points out that contractors and distributors could be exposing themselves to untold liability by dealing in this hazardous product.

Everybody buying or using cast iron DWV material is cautioned to check the MSDS sheet for the product they are buying. Make certain the DWV purchased meets all applicable codes and standards, and is approved by the Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute (CISPI).

"The best way to be certain that the material is safe is to insist on buying American-made DWV," says Wixson. "It's just not worth the risk to save a few pennies on the imports."

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