What is the Most Common Form of Asbestos Found in California?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most common type of naturally occurring asbestos found in California is chrysotile. Regarding man-made sources of asbestos found by abatement workers across the entire country, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that approximately 95% of the asbestos encountered is also chrysotile.

Chrysotile is one of six asbestos and asbestiform minerals recognized by the EPA and OSHA. The other five include actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite and tremolite. Due to their fiber strength and heat resistance, the various types of asbestos were used extensively for over 100 years in a number of building materials and a wide range of manufactured goods. Exposure to any of the six types is a hazard. Lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis are all known to be caused by asbestos.

“The EPA reports that naturally occurring asbestos can be found in 42 of California’s 58 counties,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at LA Testing. “Unfortunately, man-made materials containing asbestos can be found in all 58 counties. With how common chrysotile is in our state, it’s important that people know that just this past December, the EPA released its Final Risk Evaluation for Asbestos, Part 1: Chrysotile Asbestos. In it, the agency found unreasonable risks to consumers and bystanders from all consumer uses of chrysotile asbestos. Commercial chrysotile asbestos uses for which the EPA found unreasonable risk to workers include chlor-alkali diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products and other gaskets. Additionally, the EPA found unreasonable risks to workers nearby, but not in direct contact with chrysotile asbestos (known as occupational non-users) for the use of chlor-alkali diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks and other gaskets.”

LA Testing, with multiple laboratories in California, offers environmental, industrial hygiene and material testing for chrysotile and other types of asbestos. They also provide sampling supplies, test kits and even personal protective equipment (PPE). LA Testing even sponsored an educational video about chrysotile a few years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/8mSVCJMD_E4.

To learn more about asbestos or other environmental, health and safety testing services, sampling supplies or products, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to asbestos and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, 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, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail