Central Region Mineral Resources Science Center

Task Chief: Brad Van Gosen

A comprehensive list of asbestos deposits and their associated geology has yet to be documented for the U.S. on a national scale. This task is assembling a digital database that lists locations, development history, and geologic information (host rocks, asbestos types, geologic environment of formation) for naturally occurring asbestos deposits in the U.S. This database is being compiled utilizing: (1) as a starting point, previously assembled mineral deposit databases; (2) an extensive review of the asbestos geology literature; and (3) knowledge gained from recent research studies of asbestos geology. Such a database will benefit: (1) public health experts examining the links between potential exposures to naturally occurring asbestos and asbestos-related disease; (2) state and local officials attempting to identify and mitigate natural asbestos occurrences in occupational and environmental settings; (3) industries involved in the mining, processing, or general disturbance of possible asbestos-bearing rocks; and (4) land managers that must consider multiple issues of land use in areas where naturally occurring asbestos may be present. Another task goal is to develop an improved understanding of the diverse geologic settings, fluid-rock-tectonic conditions, rock types, and terrains that form and host asbestos.

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