Julian Branch is trained as a journalist, which proved useful when he discovered in 2012 that 600 kilometres of the water distribution mains in the Canadian city in which he lives are made of asbestos cement. He has been asking questions about this issue ever since.
What we know is that the pipes have reached the end of their useful lives, and are experiencing an increase in failures around the world. The United States has regulated asbestos in water since 1992. Environmental Protection Agency literature from more than three decades ago says cancer. What exists worldwide today is a patchwork quilt of regulation, lack of regulation, and a lack of enforcement.
Julian is a board member of the Canadian NGO Prevent Cancer Now, which uses science and research in an attempt to stop cancer before it starts. He speaks regularly around the world about asbestos cement water pipes, and ingested asbestos.