The relationship between asbestos and turbidity in raw water

Determining historical exposure to asbestos in drinking water has been a limiting factor in many studies dealing with waterborne asbestos and disease. Thirty-five raw water samples from a watershed area were analyzed for turbidity and asbestos levels. A significant correlation between turbidity and asbestos was found. It is concluded that asbestos levels are significantly related to turbidity levels in raw water; thus, it may be possible to use historic turbidity data to assess past imbibed asbestos exposure. However, more research is needed to document this relationship fully.