Asbestos, Kids, and Building Sand Castles on an ACM infested Beach. Is that Really Okay?

I am waist deep into my thesis research, with a current focus on the Asbestos Containing Material on the Illinois State Beach Park. Just to set the baseline, as of April 1980, even the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States recognized that kids and asbestos do not mix. As stated by the EPA:

“It seems likely that the dangers of asbestos exposure are particularly grave for children. Since they are exposed early in their lives, asbestos-induced cancers will have plenty of time to develop.”

I initially wondered if the EPA use of the term “grave” in the context of asbestos exposure was meant to be a pun, but the EPA has never been known for its sense of humor.

Given the above, one would think that separating kids from even small ACM exposures would be important. And yet, I am finding that local economics have trumped that concern at the Illinois beach at issue.

The below two pages are from a Health Consultation in 2007 that included constructing sand castles, raking the sand, etc. Although the Health Consultation claims that the beach is safe, it notes that “Past studies of IBSP have found asbestos-containing material and asbestos fibers in beach sands.” The report also recommends additional sampling.

At the same time, the Health Consultation makes clear the ultimate reason why it ignores the asbestos exposure to kids. The report states that “There are significant health benefits to the community through the use of this valuable resource.” Okay, I get that. No one wants to lose the only remaining sand dune in Illinois on Lake Michigan, let alone the recreational activities undertaken and the moneys raised. However, it seems contrary to what makes sense from a health perspective — a real health perspective. Did I mention that a 1990 testing of an area close by (the Manville waste pile area) included crocidolite, amosite, and chrysotile asbestos fibers?

The above page is from an earlier study, one of many that note ACMs on the beach. The report claims that the ACMS on the beach are not a public hazard, but also recommends that further investigations are required and “people can be exposed to ACM in the future.” Sort of a strange conclusion in that regard.

My research continues. Let me know what you think, either by leaving a comment or sending me an email at TheAsbestosBlog@gmail.com. Thanks. Marty