THE CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT ASBESTOS: A PERSPECTIVE FROM USGS RESEARCH OVER THE PAST DECADE ON ASBESTOS-RELATED MATERIALS

In 1999 most scientists in toxicology, epidemiology, mineralogy, and geology likely would have viewed asbestos research as an academic exercise. Asbestos was a known carcinogen, no longer mined in the U.S., and thought to occur in de minimis levels in products and the environment. Most health experts agreed on the general mechanisms of asbestos toxicity. Although not entirely in accord, federal regulatory agencies had established policies for asbestos and issues were dealt with in a routine manner. The risk from environmental exposure to asbestos was not considered to be a concern.

In November of 1999 the EPA responded to mounting media attention regarding reported elevated levels of asbestos-related disease in Libby, MT. Concerns were also rising about “naturally occurring” asbestos in El Dorado County, CA. Libby has since become one of EPA’s largest Superfund projects. Libby and El Dorado raised many new questions about the links between asbestos mineralogy, exposures, toxicity, and disease epidemiology and have renewed interest in asbestos-related mineralogy, disease research, and regulations.

In early 2000, the EPA asked the USGS for technical assistance at Libby, and the USGS was asked to help map potential asbestos in California using remote sensing. USGS asbestos research has since grown to include many projects, for example: compiling published data on natural asbestos occurrences in the U.S. and interpreting their geology; developing analytical and remote sensing methods for asbestos-containing materials; mineral dissolution studies; in-vitro toxicity studies; and studies of rocks containing asbestos-related minerals. USGS scientists have also provided requested, impartial technical assistance to the U.S. Congress and multiple Federal and state agencies on asbestos issues.

Current work by the USGS and the broader research community on asbestos-related issues includes refining terminology for better communication among disciplines, investigating alternative mechanisms of toxicity, improving analytical methods, and developing a better understanding of properties of asbestos-related minerals. Continued interdisciplinary research in these and other areas of interest will be necessary to resolve many of the questions currently facing the asbestos community.