Naturally occurring asbestos in California: Needs assessment of county health agencies

Large regions of the western United States, including most counties in California, contain abundant naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) deposits. Construction grading, driving and cycling unpaved roads, gardening, children playing on soil and other activities can result in NOA fibers becoming airborne. Studies from other countries and a recent study in California have associated increased risks of asbestos-related disease with living in areas with NOA deposits. The capacity of local health agencies to respond to potential exposures to NOA in California, and what additional resources local agencies might need, were unknown. A needs assessment survey among the 45 counties in California with NOA deposits was implemented. Health Officers and/or Environmental Health Directors from 25 counties responded. Three counties were actively addressing potential exposures to NOA, offering NOA workshops for the construction industry, developing websites with NOA information, and providing outreach regarding potential health risks using locally-developed fact sheets. Nine counties stated that they had the capacity to address NOA, while 14 (56%) of the responding counties stated that they did not. Requested training and/or guidance included education on routes of exposures and health effects, geology of NOA, sampling and analytical methodologies, and effective mitigation strategies. In supplemental interviews several health officers indicated that they look to the state public health department to conduct epidemiological studies and to inform them of potential health risks. However, given the broad scope of training needs, we recommend that an interagency workgroup to provide a coordinated response to local agency needs be considered.