Jump to main content or area navigation.

Contact Region 9

Pacific Southwest, Region 9

Serving: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Pacific Islands, Tribal Nations

Naturally Occurring Asbestos

Clear Creek Management Area

Sampling Photos | Study Area

Conclusions

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen.  Despite the uncertainties inherent in risk assessment, EPA evaluation of asbestos exposures and risks at the Clear Creek Management Area has led to some important conclusions.

  • The Activity Causes the Exposure – The concentration of asbestos in the breathing zone is directly related to the degree that an activity disturbs the soil and creates dust.
  • Children Are of Special Concern – In a majority of the samples, the concentration of asbestos measured in a child’s breathing zone exceeded the asbestos concentration in the companion adult sample.  Further, a child’s life expectancy exceeds the latency period for asbestos-related disease.
  • The Higher the Exposure, the Higher the Risk – The activities with the highest exposure - motorcycling, ATV riding, and SUV driving/riding - had the highest corresponding excess lifetime cancer risk.
  • Reducing the Exposure Will Reduce the Risk – The risk of developing asbestos-related disease is dependent on the level of exposure, the duration of exposure, and the time since first exposure.  Reducing exposure will reduce the risk of developing asbestos-related cancers and debilitating and potentially fatal non-cancer disease.

In summary, the asbestos exposures that EPA measured at CCMA are high and the resulting health risks are of concern.

Region 9 NewsroomRegion 9 Programs Grants & FundingUS-Mexico Border Media CenterCareers About Region 9A-Z Index

Jump to main content.