EPA Conducts Asbestos Sampling

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently conducting asbestos sampling in Alviso, CA, after residents and city officials voiced concern about the area being contaminated with asbestos.

“We are sampling in order to determine if there is any potential for significant exposure to asbestos from normal dust-generating activities, such as driving a vehicle or bicycling,” explains Eric Yunker, the EPA project manager.

Where Will the EPA Focus Its Sampling?

The EPA is sampling various areas in and around the South Bay Asbestos Superfund Site, including:

• Unpaved truck yards where there is a good amount of vehicular traffic
• State Street and the majority of the other streets in the surrounding communities
• Local schools

To date, the major sources of asbestos exposure at the site were being maintained by the capping of the landfills or have been removed; however, many still believe asbestos fibers and dust could be contaminating the area.

EPA Technicians Take Action

The EPA decided to conduct the testing after recent information showed that soil-based sampling often underestimates the exposure of those involved in activities, such as driving and bike riding, which could disturb the soils containing asbestos.

During the testing, EPA technicians take air samples while stimulating soil-disturbing activities such as raking the ground and driving a vehicle, that may cause asbestos exposure.

(Source: Region 9 News)

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