USGS Releases Asbestos Map of Central U.S.

August 8, 2006 - Nearly a year after the United States Geological Survey produced a map of naturally-occurring asbestos deposits along the eastern seaboard, they’ve done the same for the central United States.  The USGS has recently released a map that outlines the deposits found in states stretching from Minnesota to Texas and West Virginia to Kansas, including 20 states in all in their survey.

The map documents 36 asbestos sites in the central portion of the country.  It shows that a large number of occurrences are found in northern Michigan, several in Kansas and Missouri, and quite a few on the Texas panhandle as well as in central Texas.  The other states show an occasional occurrence. 

According to a press release by the U.S. Geological Survey, this map includes different types of asbestos and asbestiform minerals and does not attempt to distinguish between substances that may or may not pose a risk to human health.

A continued interest in asbestos and the health risks it poses has prompted the USGS to continue the surveys.  "USGS continues to update our existing compilation of information on asbestos localities because of strong interest expressed by the public health, geologic, and environmental communities. This updated compilation is the second in a series and is aimed at providing a better understanding of the geologic factors that contribute to the presence of asbestos across the nation," said USGS Acting Director Patrick Leahy.

According to Leahy, naturally-occurring asbestos has become a major concern in some areas due to housing booms.  Any work that disturbs the asbestos, such as construction, may cause damage to the mineral, releasing asbestos fibers and putting workers or area residents at risk for exposure. 

For more information, the map may be viewed at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1211/downloads/pdf/Plate.pdf