The Decree has been enacted in the framework of the evaluation of hazards to human health and to the environment related to the utilization of asbestos. Of particular interest is Annex 3, devoted to the criteria for the maintenance and use of waterpipes and tanks in asbestos-cement destined to the transportation and/or storage of potable and non-potable water. The release of asbestos fibre from waterpipes or tanks made of asbestos-cement is due substantially to the nature of water (e.g., pH, alkalinity and hardness). For this reason, the replacement of all waterpipes and tanks made of asbestos is not mandatory and the chemical characteristics of water mentioned above are used as a reference for the identification of the hazards connected with the release of asbestos fibre from waterpipes. The Decree makes provisions for the replacement of damaged equipment and the progressive removal of products containing asbestos.
Italy · 1996-05-14