It's interesting you say that, as i remember seeing an article years ago about asbestos in water pipes in California, and thought the same as you (i think) imply: that's got to be super dangerous.
multiple downvotes but no comments: loss of chance to share presumed wisdom is a bummer for the HN community.
I’d have to know more details. There is one type of asbestos that causes silicosis, and two that your body can manage (at least when aspirated). I’m not sure how easy it is to select one over the other and avoid getting sued, though.