Question 1

What is the EPA limit for asbestos in drinking water?

Accepted Answer

The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for asbestos is 7 MFL. Public water systems must keep asbestos below this level.

Question 2

What are the health effects of asbestos in drinking water?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos is best known for causing lung cancer and mesothelioma through inhalation, but ingestion through drinking water also poses health risks. The EPA MCL of 7 million fibers per liter (MFL) for fibers longer than 10 micrometers is based

Question 3

Where does asbestos in drinking water come from?

Accepted Answer

The primary source of asbestos in drinking water is the deterioration of asbestos-cement (AC) pipes used extensively in US water distribution systems from the 1930s through the 1970s. An estimated 600,000 miles of AC pipe remain in service

Question 4

How do I remove asbestos from my drinking water?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos is effectively removed by: Reverse Osmosis, Ultrafiltration, Direct Filtration. Look for NSF-certified filters that explicitly list asbestos reduction.

Asbestos in Drinking Water - EPA MCL, Health Effects & Removal