Exposed Asbestos-Lined Pipes Found Near New River in Calexico Still There Seven Months Later

Palm Springs Desert Sunday by Janet Wilson

Large, aging asbestos pipes have been left sitting on the ground in an open lot next to the badly polluted New River in Calexico near the Mexico border seven months after they were discovered by a state inspector, according to California toxics staffers and documents obtained by The Desert Sun.

Asbestos in various forms is a known carcinogen, but must be “friable” or released to the air and inhaled over time to cause harm. While there is no clear evidence of immediate risk, state toxics staff told The Desert Sun some of the pipes are cracked or broken, and appear to have been there a long time. Published research shows old tiles, pipes or other materials containing forms of the potential carcinogen can degrade into the air or soil and release dangerous fibers. 

For the full text, click here.