Subject Top Page: Naturally-Occurring Asbestos

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This page last reviewed December 20, 2007

Exposure and disturbance of rock and soil that contains asbestos can result in the release of fibers to the air and consequent exposure to the public. Asbestos most commonly occurs in ultramafic rock that has undergone partial or complete alteration to serpentine rock (proper rock name serpentinite) and often contains chrysotile asbestos. In addition, another form of asbestos, tremolite, can be found associated with ultramafic rock, particularly near faults. 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. To address some of the health concerns associated with exposure to asbestos from these activities, the ARB has adopted two Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCMs).

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ARB is currently considering revisions to Test Method 435 - Determination of Asbestos Content in Serpentine Aggregate. Please visit the Test Method 435 Homepage for more information about upcoming activities.

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