Naturally Occurring Asbestos

Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) is found in mineral deposits in rock and in soils derived from these rock sources.  NOA is found in many parts of Alaska and in many other states as well.

Asbestos is a generic term for several different naturally occurring silicate minerals with long, thin fibrous crystals.  Once a widely used commercial material, asbestos has been known since the 1980s to be a human carcinogen.  Mining and use of asbestos in manufactured products is banned.

Due to geography, limited road systems and relatively sparse and scattered population centers within Alaska, NOA has not been a historical concern for the state. However, over the past several years NOA has been encountered in Alaska and this has impacted some DOT&PF projects (e.g. Dalton Highway, Ambler, etc).

DOT&PF has an ever-increasing demand for gravel and rock to construct and repair its roads and airports. Large construction projects such as the proposed roads to resources, gas pipeline and railroad extension will require large quantities of gravel and rock sources.  Unfortunately, some localities in Alaska that have a demand for rock and gravel do not have nearby sources that are NOA-free. This impacts the cost of such projects when DOT&PF is required to haul rock and gravel long distances by road or barge.

The Department is developing proposed regulations for the NOA program. For more information, contact Janelle White via email or at (907)465-8250.

Asbestos Resources

• Naturally Occurring Asbestos Fact Sheet. USGS. 2001.
• Naturally Occurring Asbestos Evaluation Scope of Work. DOT&PF. 2011.
• Frequently Asked Questions. DOT&PF. 2011.
• Asbestos Best Management Practices
• NOA Interim Guidance
• Alaska Occupational Safety and Health FAQ on Unsafe Workplace

Asbestos Testing

• CARB 435 Test Method
• NIOSH 7400 Test Method
• OSHA Respirator Guide

Related Links

• EPA Information Website on Asbestos
• EPA – NOA Fact Sheet – Approaches for Reducing Exposure
• HB 258

United State Geological Survey

• Naturally Occurring Asbestos Fact Sheet. USGS. 2001.
• “The Geology of Asbestos in the United States and Its Practical Applications”, Van Gosen, Bradley S., United States Geological Survey; Environmental & Engineering Geoscience, Vol. XIII, No. 1, February 2007. 

California

• California Office of Environmental Health Asbestos Fact Sheet
• “Guidelines for Geologic Investigations of Naturally Occurring Asbestos in California.” Special Publication 124, California Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey, 2002. 
• "Determination of Asbestos Content of Serpentine Aggregate. California Environmental Protection Agency. 1991.
• “Fact Sheet #3 – Ways to Control Naturally-Occurring Asbestos Dust”; California Environmental Protection Agency - Air Resources Board; 2002.
• CA Geological Survey Asbestos Site
• Caltrans Asbestos Information
• Caltrans Standard Special Provision (SSP):  Special Provisions For Hazardous Waste And Materials Requiring Special Management or Safety Precautions (including NOA).

Example Scope of Work or Asbestos Evaluation

• Naturally Occurring Asbestos Evaluation Scope of Work. DOT&PF. 2011.