From time to time shortage of materials and other considerations lead to proposal for the use of asbestos cement flue pipes for kitchen boilers and other heating units. Sometimes pipes of this material have become defective after short service, either by cracking or by spalling a form of explosive disruption. This note describes the results of an investigation of the suitability of asbestos cement flue pipes for use with appliances burning solid fuel, and makes observations of the failure of some pipes in service.