Natural Asbestos Causes Health Concern

June 4th, 2008
A park in California has had almost half its 75,000 acres shut to the public after high levels of naturally occurring asbestos was found. The asbestos is in the soil at the park, and can become airborne with normal activities.
A central California park has shut half its site down to the public after high levels of asbestos were found in the soil. The asbestos is naturally found in the soil of the park, and activities such as hiking, biking and riding recreational vehicles can cause the material to become airborne. Nearly 31,000 acres of the park was closed after findings from air tests were reviewed as a precaution due to the possibility of airborne asbestos.
Asbestos in its natural form normally does not pose a health threat to the public unless the ground is disturbed. In heavy traffic areas, such as hiking and off-road trails, the material can break apart and become airborne. Airborne asbestos exposure has been known to cause illnesses like asbestosis and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a type of deadly lung cancer, can take years to diagnose and is often terminal at the time of detection. Two meetings are planned during the summer to address the asbestos issue.