Pictures with Asbestos Deposits
Individuals who live or work near asbestos deposits are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and other asbestos caused conditions. Asbestos fibers, although they are not harmful to one’s health in their natural state, if they are broken down or disturbed, they become highly toxic and can lead to the development of serious, life threatening diseases.
Once asbestos is disturbed, the fibers separate and form a toxic dust that floats freely in the environment. Thus, individuals living near asbestos deposits are at risk of breathing in toxic asbestos fibers that are released into the air during processes that disturb the mineral such as playing, building or drilling on the land.
Once ingested, the fibers embed themselves into the protective sac lining the lungs, stomach and/ or heart, and after a period of time cause irritation that may lead to the development of asbestos cancer or another serious illness.
Where Are Natural Asbestos Deposits Found?
Asbestos deposits can be found throughout the Unites States, including:- Eastern shoulder of the Appalachian Mountains from northern New Jersey through northern Georgia and into Alabama
- Fairfax County, Virginia has eleven square miles of asbestos deposits
- Rocky Mountains are freckled with naturally occurring asbestos
- Northeast and Southeast Oregon
- Arizona has high levels of naturally occurring asbestos
- California is home to one of the largest asbestos deposits in the world; asbestos can be found in 50 of California’s 58 counties
What Do Asbestos Look Like?
Below you will find our asbestos deposits photo gallery, which includes images of naturally occurring asbestos found near asbestos deposits.
Asbestos on a Pipe: Because asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, which is easy to find, it was once considered an ideal material in various asbestos industries. Because of its strength and resistance to heat, asbestos was widely used in the production of building materials, including pipes, insulation materials, roofing shingles, title flooring, etc. Although asbestos use has been banned, older homes, built before the 1980s may still contain asbestos in pipes and other materials.
Asbestos on a rock: Here you can see asbestos fibers that have accumulated on a rock. You will typically find rocks covered with asbestos fibers in the areas surrounding asbestos deposits.
Asbestos on a tree: Here you will see asbestos fibers covering a tree. Working or playing on land with asbestos deposits creates a cloud of asbestos fibers that floats freely in the air. When the dust settles, the fibers land on trees, rocks, bushes and whatever else is nearby.
