Reducing Your Exposure to Naturally Occurring Asbestos

Health risks to people are dependent upon their exposure to asbestos. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos and the greater the intensity of the exposure, the greater the chances for a health problem. If naturally occurring asbestos is not disturbed and asbestos fibers are not released into the air, then it will not pose a health risk. National forest visitors wishing to reduce their potential exposure to naturally occurring asbestos should consult the maps produced by the Forest Service or the State of California which identify the currently known areas of ultramafic and serpentine rock and naturally occurring asbestos and use the following best management practices in these areas to Reduce Your Risk by Reducing Your Exposure:

• Be aware of windy conditions and avoid dusty conditions to reduce exposure
• Limit dust generating activities, such as riding off-road vehicles, riding bicycles, running or hiking, riding horses or moving livestock, etc.
• Avoid handling or disturbing loose asbestos-containing rock types
• Drive slowly over unpaved roads, with windows and vents closed, to minimize dust generation (California Air Resources Board recommends that vehicle speeds not exceed 15 miles per hour on unpaved roads where asbestos is present)
• Avoid or minimize the tracking of dust into vehicles
• Do not use compressed air for cleaning your vehicles after your visit. Use a wet rag to clean the interior.