Asbestos in cooling-tower waters. Final report. [Source, hazards, and recommendations at nuclear power plants]

Technical Report · Thu Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1979

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6253158· OSTI ID:6253158

Lewis, B A.G.

Water discharges from cooling towers constructed with asbestos fill were found to contain chrysotile--asbestos fibers at concentrations as high as 10/sup 8/ fibers/liter. The major source of these fibers, appears to be the components of the towers rather than the air drawn through the towers or the makeup water taken into the towers. Suggested mechanisms for the release of chrysotile fibers from cooling-tower fill include freeze-thaw cycles and dissolution of the cement due to acidic components of the circulating water. Ash- or other material-settling ponds were found to reduce asbestos-fiber concentrations in cooling-tower effluent. The literature reviewed did not support the case for a causal relationship between adverse human health effects and drinking water containing on the order of 10/sup 6/ chrysotile--asbestos fibers/liter; for this and other reasons, it is not presently suggested that the use of asbestos fill be discontinued. However, caution and surveillance are dictated by the uncertainties in the epidemiological studies, the absence of evidence for a safe threshold concentration in water, and the conclusive evidence for adverse effects from occupational exposure. It is recommended that monitoring programs be carried out at sites where asbestos fill is used; data from such programs can be used to determine whether any mitigative measures should be taken. On the basis of estimates made in this study, monitoring for asbestos in drift from cooling towers does not appear to be warranted.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31-109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 6253158
• Report Number(s): NUREG/CR-0770; ANL/ES-71; TRN: 79-014024
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
ASBESTOS
HEALTH HAZARDS
CHEMICAL EFFLUENTS
COOLING TOWERS
SURFACE WATERS
WATER POLLUTION
MONITORING
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
HAZARDS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
POLLUTION
POWER PLANTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
520200* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
220503 - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Environmental Aspects- Chemical & Thermal Effluents
220200 - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Components & Accessories