California State Rock May Lose the Status Due to Asbestos

A serpentine, which was named as the official state rock by the State of California in 1965, is now in controversy.

Some state policymakers and the media are now uproaring, saying that the shiny bluish green rock contains asbestos. They are asking for the rock to be removed as the official rock of California.

California state legislator Democrat Sen. Gloria Romero proposed the bill. However, everyone doesn’t support the move to change the rock’s designation because geologists say all serpentine do not contain asbestos.

According to some reports, 42 counties in California have naturally occurring asbestos in serpentine. Serpentine was mined in California until the 1960s for asbestos. As the hazards of asbestos were not fully known then, it was used in a wide range of products such as insulation, ceilings, flooring, roofing, siding etc. Now-a-days the material is not used for such applications because inhalation of asbestos fibers can result in severe respiratory problems and terminal diseases such as mesothelioma. Asbestos is now a highly regulated substance and users who do not follow the regulations are subject to prosecution and penalty.

California is the first state to name an official rock.

«


»