Project Experience: Asbestos in Tree Bark

A local community was concerned that asbestos may be present in the bark of common coniferous trees.  The assertion was made that the asbestos was transported by the wind from a nearby asbestos waste site.  This Aeolian transport smashed the fibers into the furrow of the tree bark where it remained trapped.  The community was concerned that the bark would act as a reservoir for the asbestos.  While existing benignly in the tree bark there was apprehension that during landscaping, tree removal or firewood harvesting activities a person would be at risk for asbestos exposure.  Having worked on the method development for these types of samples EMSL’s asbestos laboratory was able to perform the requested analysis and substantiate the communities’ concern.