Naturally Occurring Asbestos

Asbestos is most commonly believed to enter the atmosphere as a result of it's use in commercial and industrial manufacturing and buildings. Many people may not be aware however, of the fact that asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral found in "ultramafic" rock formations. Why this is important is because ultramafic rock has, over the years, been commonly used for surface material on unpaved roads and driveways, and ultramafic rock is sometimes located in areas where construction and quarry activity take place.

While it may not be the primary rock formation in a given location, if ultramafic rock exists when crews dig up an area or quarry activity is taking place, the simple act of disturbing the ultramafic rock can sometimes cause asbestos fibers to enter the air. This in turn can lead to people inhaling those fibers and thus potentially becoming ill due to the many various diseases that result from asbestos dust and asbestos fiber inhalation, including mesothelioma.

Asbestos in California

Naturally Ocurring Asbestos that can be found in Ultramafic rock exists throughout the entire state of California. Many of the sites where asbestos formations exist are known to the State of California and the federal government's Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, they know of naturally occurring asbestos rock formations existing in forty two out of the state's fifty eight counties. And according to the EPA, there are only a few other locations around the entire country where asbestos occurs to this degree, including Fairfax Virginia, Alaska and Washington State.

Most Prevelant California Absestos Rock Formations:

El Dorado County
Humbolt County
Monterey County
San Benito County

Past EPA California Assessment and Risk Abatement Areas

Alameda County
Calaveras County
Fresno County
Los Angeles County
Santa Clara County
Santa Cruz County
San Benito County
San Mateo County

California Air Resources Board Control Measures

Given the potential asbestos exposure that can occur from disturbing ultramafic rock, and because this type of rock occurs naturally throughout the state of California, the California Air Resources Board has established Airborne Toxic Control Measures for Asbestos to address the problem in an effort to abate potential asbestos exposure and it's resultant harmful effects such as mesothelioma.

EPA El Dorado County Asbestos Study

Some people may question the validity of claims that simply living near naturally occurring asbestos is a health hazard that could lead to mesothelioma. To help determine if there was anything to be concerned about, a study was conducted by the EPA in 2004 in El Dorado County. They found that everyday outdoor activities involving the stirring up of the ground in one of the county's parks, is enough to result in potential harm. Everything from softball on the dirt field, to riding a bicycle along one of the trails, was, in fact, enough to kick up asbestos dust into the air.

Read more about the EPA El Dorado asbestos study.

Placer County Asbestos Exposure Info

Placer County California's Air Pollution Control District has established a web page exclusively to the risks, danger and facts related to naturally occurring asbestos. The page includes a PDF document for homeowners and what they need to know regarding this issue. Other information provided includes:

Maps of specific asbestos sites within the county
Common questions related to asbestos exposure
Recommendations on how to avoid exposure
Additional information resources

For more informaiton visit the Placer County Asbestos Information page.

UC Davis California Asbestos Study

UC Davis then did a follow-on study. According to Marc Schenker, UC Davis Department of Public Health Services Chair, the danger is low, yet nevertheless, it does exist and should be taken seriously. According to the asbestos exposure study, living near asbestos containing rock does pose a potential threat and causes an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Asbestos Exposure Risk Factors

While exposure to asbestos that occurs in California is something to be aware of and take seriously, the fact is that it comes down to how close to one of these areas, or whether a driveway, path or roadway is surfaced with asbestos containing rock, or what activities you conduct under these conditions. All of these factors vary greatly and thus there should be no need for panic. At the same time though, active involvement in your community government, asking questions about these issues, doing research and making informed decisions are all important for people living in California.

Map of Naturally Occurring Asbestos Exposure Sites in California