Naturally-Occurring Asbestos Found in Most California Counties

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), naturally-occurring asbestos can be found in 42 of California’s 58 counties. The agency reports that naturally-occurring asbestos can be found most abundantly in and around Humboldt County, in areas of San Benito and Monterey Counties, and in western El Dorado County.

The term “naturally-occurring asbestos” refers to the mineral as a natural component of soils or rocks as opposed to asbestos used in commercial products, mining or processing operations. The California Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Resources Board reports, “The most common type of asbestos is chrysotile, but other types are also found in California.  When rock containing asbestos is broken or crushed, asbestos fibers may be released and become airborne.  Exposure to asbestos fibers may result in health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the thin membranes lining the lungs, chest and abdominal cavity), and asbestosis (a non-cancerous lung disease which causes scarring of the lungs). Sources of asbestos emissions include: unpaved roads or driveways surfaced with ultramafic rock, construction activities in ultramafic rock deposits, or rock quarrying activities where ultramafic rock is present.”

“Most California residents are aware of the hazards associated with exposure to asbestos in homes and buildings that contain materials made with the mineral,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility.  “Far fewer realize that it could be in the rock and soil around their homes, schools and places of business.  Outdoor activities, such as construction projects that disturb the ground and create dust, can pose a health risk to anyone in the area.  LA Testing provides comprehensive asbestos testing services to help identify asbestos when it is present in the natural environment and when it has been used in asbestos-containing materials in homes and buildings.”

LA Testing recently sponsored an educational video about malignant mesothelioma and asbestos that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEyopPp9Ck4.

To learn more about asbestos testing services or other environmental, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.

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Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

(1) (856) 303-2503

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