Naturally Occurring Asbestos Fibers in Your Breathing Zone: Let’s Look at California as an Example.

We write and talk a great deal about asbestos fibers arising from occupational exposure, but what about those same fibers in your breathing zone just because of where you live? I don’t mean the real hot spots like Libby, Montana or Wittenoom, Australia; we all know the horrors faced by residents in those communities when mining in the general area was common. I mean asbestos fibers just hanging around normal places.

I chose California for looking under the rocks (so to speak) as the information for, and location of, asbestos is readily available. This type of data may also be available for other places if you look at the right compilations or archives.

California has 39 million residents located within 58 counties. Of these 58 counties, 41 have some naturally occurring asbestos, with 12 evidencing fibrous amphiboles. The chart is as follows:

I guess my point is should you fall ill from an asbestos related disease and are searching for the exposure without any success, you may want to see if this type of information is available for where you live, and where you have lived in the past. These exposures are likely significantly less than the old occupational exposures, but if you are looking for information, they shouldn’t be ignored.

Let me know what you think either by leaving a comment or sending me an email at TheAsbestosBlog@gmail.com. Thank you. Marty