Tests conducted on the water supply in Lufkin, Texas back in 1991 showed that asbestos was present in the city’s water. Shortly after the discovery, in 2001 the city was awarded a grant in the amount of $16 million to remove the cause of the asbestos tainted water and now officials are stating that the work should be completed by January 2009.

The cause of the presence of asbestos in the water is outdated and ill repaired water lines and pumps which are and have been in the process of being replaced.

Asbestos was used in a variety of building, plumbing, and automotive products throughout the early twentieth century. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that it was realized how dangerous the substance was. Upon the creation of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration by congress asbestos began to become more regulated.

Exposure to asbestos-containing materials can lead to a range of health problems with lasting effects. Diseases which can be caused by the dangerous toxin include asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Because such diseases have such a long latency period treatment options are often very limited by the time that diagnosis occurs.

According to Public Director of Engineering for the City of Lufkin, Chuck Walker, asbestos in the water is not dangerous due to the fact that the water breaks the material down. According to officials the project is mainly being executed in order to reassure residents.

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