Quarry Has Neighbors Concerned After Naturally Occurring Asbestos Discovered

Recently, there have been a number of media reports about concerned residents living near a quarry in Pennsylvania. The worries are over air quality and are the result of naturally occurring asbestos deposits being found at the quarry.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released the following statement about the situation: “Under their required sampling protocol, the operator at the quarry is required to sample for asbestos when beginning work in new areas. The operator notified DEP of a positive analysis for fibrous asbestos, at which time DEP ordered all mining, rock crushing and sizing, and other related activities at the Quarry cease. DEP has requested a letter from the operator outlining the most recent sampling and positive asbestos analysis, what additional investigation(s) they are going to perform to address the recent positive asbestos test results and the potential for additional asbestos form minerals to be present at the site. The mining and rock crushing-sizing cessation will remain in effect until rescinded, in writing, by DEP. No material is thought to have left the site.” 

Naturally occurring asbestos refers to the mineral as a natural component of soil or rocks as opposed to asbestos used in commercial products, mining or processing operations. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reports that natural occurrences of asbestos are commonly found in ultramafic rock and near fault zones. The amount of asbestos typically present in these rocks ranges from less than 1% up to about 25%, and sometimes more.

“Inhalation exposure to asbestos fibers, whether due to naturally occurring asbestos that have been disturbed or airborne asbestos from products or building materials in a home or other structure, is a health concern,” said Ed Cahill, Vice President of EMSL Analytical, Inc. Asbestos Division. “With regards to naturally occurring asbestos, it can be found in the soil and rocks in many places across North America. Sampling will help detect if it is present and could be a potential exposure hazard.”

To identify naturally occurring asbestos or asbestos-containing materials in homes and buildings, EMSL Analytical, Inc. and their network of laboratories across the United States and Canada offer comprehensive analyses, all of the sampling supplies necessary, test kits and a wide range of personal protective equipment (PPE). They have also sponsored an educational video about naturally occurring asbestos and exposure risks that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/1AiAr6TC2pw.

To learn more about asbestos testing or other environmental, occupational, air quality, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to environmental test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail