Asbestos exposure is a concern in various contexts, including factories, naval ships, construction materials, and even in the soil of Sacramento, CA. The presence of asbestos in Sacramento’s soils puts everyone at risk. Learn more about the affected area, the measures taken to reduce exposure, sources of asbestos, and the potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure below.
Asbestos in Sacramento Soil
While asbestos exposure issues are commonly associated with industry, construction materials, and old buildings, it is important to note that asbestos is also found in the ground. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District acknowledges this issue and points to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for regulation and control.
To address asbestos exposure when disturbing these soils, CARB has adopted the Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for Construction, Grading, Quarrying, and Surface Mining Operations. This statewide regulation applies to any construction or grading project in areas where asbestos may exist, as determined by the California Geological Survey (CGS). While the ATCM applies to projects of any size, larger projects may have additional notification requirements.
Identifying Sites: The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District has created a map that highlights land plots and areas potentially containing naturally occurring asbestos deposits.
Types of Asbestos
CARB and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have identified several types of naturally occurring asbestos, including serpentine (chrysotile), riebeckite (crocidolite), cummingtonite-grunerite (amosite), tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. CARB’s asbestos regulations aim to reduce the use of asbestos-containing materials on unpaved road surfaces and control asbestos fiber disturbances.
EPA Delegation
While the EPA mandates detailed work practices for potential asbestos-containing material (ACM) sites, enforcement is delegated to local and state governmental agencies. Two currently enforced regulations under EPA delegation are the ATCM for Surfacing Applications and the ATCM for Construction, Grading, Quarrying, and Surface Mining Operations.
Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Sacramento
Naturally occurring asbestos emissions in California can be traced to unpaved roads, driveways, ultramafic rock, and rock quarrying activities.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure can have severe health consequences, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and lung scarring. The latency period for asbestos-related diseases can be lengthy, with symptoms sometimes taking up to 50 years to manifest.
Sacramento Area Asbestos Exposure Sites
Several sites in the Sacramento area have been associated with asbestos exposure, including Made-Rite Meat Company, Union Pacific, American Patrol, Robert Dollar Company, Western Men, Inc., Pope & Talbot, Inc., United States Steel, Chevron, Standard Oil, McKesson, and Columbia Steel.
Reach Out to an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney in Sacramento
If you are concerned about asbestos exposure in your home or workplace, it is essential to consult a qualified Sacramento Mesothelioma Attorney like the Throneberry Law Group. They offer aggressive and compassionate support and representation for asbestos cancer victims. Contact an experienced Throneberry Law Group attorney today at (888) 506-1131 or visit their website for 24/7 assistance. Asbestos exposure remains a critical issue in Sacramento, affecting both the environment and public health. Understanding the regulatory measures in place, the sources of asbestos, and the associated health risks is crucial to addressing this ongoing concern in the region.
