05/08/2006: "Local Group Formed To Inform On Health"

Our aim in founding Islanders for a Healthy Environment has been to learn about and inform islanders of environmental causes of diseases such as cancer. We would like to notify islanders of our first report: Asbestos in Drinking Water.

Drinking water for Friday Harbor, like that of many US cities, is transported through asbestos/concrete pipes (25% asbestos). Inhaled asbestos is well known to cause lung cancer and other serious illness, so we checked into known effects of drinking asbestos. To briefly summarize research directed at the question: Can drinking (or eating) asbestos cause cancer?, the answer is: Yes. Our report and a short summary are available at http://www.mindspring.com/~sjccancer/default.htm

In light of asbestos' effects, in the short term, those of us on Town water may wish to use bottled water for drinking and cooking. (RO, or Reverse Osmosis water is recommended.)

Longer-term solutions are discussed at our website. Those who use catchment systems for drinking water should make sure that no components of the system, including roof tiles, contain asbestos.

We have learned of potential danger from asbestos, but also of ways to reduce that danger. We hope this is useful information; please contact us with questions or if you wish to join Islanders for a Healthy Environment.

Sincerely,
Alison Longley, alongley_2000@yahoo.com
Wilma Munsey, 378-5196
for Islanders for a Healthy Environment