A state in northern India has continued the use of asbestos cement pipes to carry their water supply despite the fact that such pipes have been banned in more than 100 countries worldwide.

The Financial Express newspaper reports that the state of Haryana still purchases these hazardous asbestos cement water pipes each year and uses them in rural areas within the state. Despite the fact that a Union Ministry of Industry report as early as 1995 touted the dangers of using such pipes, the local government continues the practice, opponents say. The pipes have been banned in other countries because the asbestos they contain may cause mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, as well as other lung ailments.

Dalip Singh, commissioner of public health for the state of Haryana, told the newspaper that personally “he was against use of asbestos pipes for water supply as asbestos was a deadly carcinogen.” Singh said “asbestos cement pipes, used for transportation of potable water, was more of a threat as water causes degradation of pipes and asbestos fibers [are] released in drinking water.”

Despite the bans, the Haryana government says it has already purchased pipes this year and plans to purchase more in the next few months. Singh continues to be astounded. “Unless asbestos was banned, the real cost of asbestos may be paid in death and disability,” he told Financial Express.

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