Asbestos is a confirmed human carcinogen. Asbestos is a naturally formed mineral fiber. Certain forms of cancer are caused by asbestos fibers. The primary means of exposure is breathing asbestos fibers.

Extensive regulations have been created to protect public and worker health by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In Virginia these regulations are both enforced by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Additionally, natural deposits in Virginia are occasionally encountered at quarries and mines. The mines and quarries are regulated by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

Naturally Occurring Asbestos in Fairfax County, Virginia

Naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) has been mapped in approximately 11 square miles of Fairfax County, which includes a part of Fairfax City. Asbestos-bearing bedrock is interspersed in the underlying Green Stone Rock Formations of the bedrock. Surface exposure of these bedrock formations is rare. 

The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District has information about construction in known areas of asbestos-bearing bedrock with suggestions for construction safety.

Maps

• For the most specific location information, visit Fairfax County's Digital Map Viewer. The official county soils map type to select that provides NOA information is 'Soils – Official 2011'.
• Potential NOA areas in Fairfax County and City.
• Potential NOA by Tax Map Grid number. Tax Map numbers describe areas in the county that contain potential NOA.

Resources

• Asbestos -  OSHA
• OSHA asbestos construction regulations (29 CFR 1926.1101)
• Asbestos - EPA
• Construction Safety in Areas of Naturally Occurring Asbestos - Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District