Ingestion of asbestos can cause a variety of issues, often referred to as asbestos poisoning. Asbestos may be ingested when someone consumes food or water that has stood open in an asbestos-rich environment. It is also found in water supplies, coming from asbestos-cement pipes, natural geological sources, or building materials. Rain carries the fibers into the community water systems. Asbestos poisoning through ingestion has been associated with cases of throat cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer and immune disorders. Although asbestos inhalation remains the primary concern for those exposed to the fibers, asbestos ingestion is still a serious risk factor in its own right.