The process mill is also attached with a dust collector, which sucks all the loose fibres if any, which are then reused. This further reduces any chance of the fibres becoming airborne.This fibre controlling process is very inexpensive and very safe. And this controlling process is very advantageous to the Industry since it results in 7% saving in terms of the manufacturing costs. Even the powdered form of asbestos cement has fibre which is encapsulated with the cement and can therefore not become airborne unsafe.

ECO FRIENDLY MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND TECHNOLOGY

The raw materials used in asbestos cement products are asbestos fibre, cement, fly ash (optional) and water. All of them are primarily natural. The manufacturing process which locks in the fibre, reduces the possibility of free fibre in the environment.

Fly Ash is a hazardous solid waste from several thermal power plants, located all over India. Its disposal is a major problem. This forms an important [optional] raw material for AC pipes and sheets. Therefore its consumption is highly environment friendly.

The manufacturing process does not involve any hazardous chemical reaction as we find in most other alternate materials.

No heating is necessary in the manufacturing process as we find in most other alternate materials.

There are no effluents whatsoever in the manufacturing process. The solids, liquids and heat are all recycled.

There is no gaseous effluent as we find in most other alternate materials.

The power consumption is 5 to 10 times less compared to the alternate materials. Low power requirement also implies low pollution due to generation of power as well as consumption of power.

AC pipes & sheets are most durable and have the least cost per year. Therefore lesser need for replacement, which again implies lesser pollution, as production for replacement would lead to further pollution in most other alternate materials.

AC pipes & sheets need no corrosion protection. Therefore lesser power & coating material consumption also implying lesser pollution.

Thus we see that asbestos cement is highly eco-friendly and not hazardous as is wrongly believed.

AC products are technically sound, Eco friendly, safe, durable, cost effective and offers the best value for money.

AC pipes / sheets are successfully in use since more than 75 years in most developed countries like USA, UK, and Germany.

As the fibres are locked in; they do not get released in the water pipelines of AC. pipes, besides asbestos fibre if ingested does not cause any harm. Even countries like Germany (who are extremely eco-conscious) continue to use the existing AC Pipelines.

AC pipes / sheets have been recommended by organizations like the WHO and the World Bank. They are particularly suitable for tropical & developing countries like India.

As the manufacturing technologies are very simple and easily applicable all over India , the much cherished decentralization and "small is beautiful" policy is truly applicable. As transportation is a major cost of the final product i.e. the pipelines, decentralization also implies saving of costs and pollution due to transportation.

In spite of the product being such a wonderful alternative this industry is suffering today, because of the prevalent myths and misconceptions.

The myth about AC pipes/sheets still remains because, internationally and in India, Asbestos Cement Industry has probably not done appropriate market and product development. Which should include efforts to analyze and publicize the truth in comparison to the hazards and other problems involved in the other competitive materials like PVC, MS, Cast Iron / Ductile Iron etc. and other Industries in general. They have to impress the truth upon the concerned officials and the public. Ultimately it is the personal / public opinion which becomes more important than the real truth.

Cast Iron, Ductile Iron, Mild Steel and PVC are not cost effective as compared to AC pipes. In addition the corrosion in Iron Pipes contaminates the water.

It is learnt that PVC pipes during their life cycle can release materials such as lead and plasticizer DEPH. Further, toxic glues used in jointing of PVC pipes can leach out in water.

All these are potential health hazards.

Gl, Aluminum, FRP, Mangalore tiles are not cost effective as compared to AC sheets. In addition the corrosion / weathering in them can even cause contamination.