New Study Confirms Plastic Pipe Thermal Degradation as Source of Water Contamination in Fire Events
The study concludes that thermally damaged drinking water pipes can be sources of VOC leaching.
Chemical Leaching from Plastic Pipes
Andrew Whelton’s latest study confirms that plastic drinking water pipes release benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the water supply when exposed to extreme heat.
WILDFIRES: After the blazes: poisoned water and a ‘flood on steroids’
Historic wildfires raging from California to Colorado are weakening watersheds and setting the stage for deadly mudslides and flooding and, in some places, threatening to poison critical water supplies
AWWA Study: Wildfire caused widespread drinking water distribution network contamination
This work outlines factors that influence wildfire-induced drinking water quality threats based on the findings from the Tubbs Fire (2017) and Camp Fire (2018) and explores scientific and policy issues.
Considerations for Safe, Resilient Piping Systems
Piping is a fundamental aspect of every building, delivering potable water, handling wastewater, and providing ventilation to help maintain air quality, among other functions. Current research has identified several issues to consider when evaluating the pipe and fittings in a building.
How to Pick the Safest Pipes for your Building
When choosing a piping material for a construction or renovation projects, builders should assess available information on the safety hazards that each presents. Installing materials that leach chemicals into water, create fire hazards, and threaten the environment put building occupants in real danger of both short- and long-term health risks.
Drinking Water and Plumbing After the Camp Fire
Drinking Water and Plumbing After the Camp Fire By Julie Jenks, active volunteer at the Camp Fire Zone Project and Biology Instructor at Butte College About the Event Experts in plumbing and engineering from Purdue University held a community event entitled “Drinking Water and Plumbing After the Camp Fire” on Thursday June 27, 2019 at […]
Study: Majority of Leached Substances Are Carcinogenic, Toxic, or Unregulated
Study: Majority of Leached Substances Are Carcinogenic, Toxic, or Unregulated A recent study from Gradient identified 163 substances that leach from plastic piping systems into potable water. These include proven carcinogens and reproductive toxins, as well as many unregulated chemicals with unknown impacts. What Piping Materials Leach Chemicals? The study analyzed and concluded that all […]
Fires Melt Plastic Pipes and Release Carcinogens into Water Supplies
Fires Melt Plastic Pipes and Release Carcinogens into Water Supplies As fires like the devastating Camp Fire occur nationwide, water quality crises have become part of the aftermath. In recent years wildfires have claimed cities, communities and millions of acres of land. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 10 million acres burned in 2017, 8.8 […]