Can I use rainwater that has fallen on an asbestos roof?

We bought a house that was built in 1972. It has a roof made of asbestos slates. There is also a cistern which we would like to connect to our toilet and washing machine. Could that be a danger to our health?

Sincerely

Asker: Daphne, 26 years old

Answer

Best,

According to the current state of science, asbestos is only dangerous when inhaled. However, as a precautionary measure, the Federal Public Health Service advises against using water contaminated with asbestos as drinking water or in the washing machine. In principle, it is possible that asbestos fibers get into clothes or bed linen during washing and can be inhaled after drying. This of course depends on the degree of pollution of the rainwater, which in turn depends on the condition of the asbestos slates, etc. Perhaps it is then safest to use the rainwater only for the toilet. What is also possible is to switch on a filter that stops the fibers, then the water should be safe.

Answered by

Prof. dr. dr. Luc Bouwens

Biomedical Sciences

Can I use rainwater that has fallen on an asbestos roof?

Free University of Brussels
Avenue de la Plein 2 1050 Ixelles
http://www.vub.ac.be/

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