Following its identification as a toxics air contaminant, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) examined potential sources of asbestos exposure such as road surfacing applications, mining, quarrying, and construction in areas containing ultramafic rock (which includes serpentine). Coupled with asbestos air monitoring information and emissions estimates, CARB's asbestos research led to CARB promulgating regulations to protect public health from exposure to airborne asbestos emissions.
Airborne Toxic Control Measures
CARB adopted two ATCMs to address some of the health concerns associated with exposure to asbestos from unpaved surfaces, construction and grading operations and quarries where asbestos is found or likely to be found.
Asbestos ATCM for Surfacing Applications (adopted in 1990). This ATCM is designed to reduce public exposure to elevated levels of asbestos from unpaved surfaces such as unpaved roads, parking lots, driveways, and walkways.
Asbestos ATCM for Construction, Grading, Quarrying, and Surface Mining Operations (adopted in 2001). This ATCM requires the implementation of best available dust mitigation measures at road construction, maintenance activities, construction, grading, quarrying and surface mining operations in areas where naturally-occurring asbestos is found or likely to be found.
