Off-road vehicles are a popular pastime for many Californians for good reason. California’s Mojave Road, Rubicon Trail and similar off-road sites are frequently regarded as some of the finest off-road destinations in the country.
Unfortunately, the thrills of an off-road adventure can also be dangerous. Most Californians have likely read the occasional news story of deadly off-road crashes such as a now-infamous 2010 off-road race crash in the Mojave desert that killed eight people.
However, it is likely that far fewer people are aware of recent findings that show California off-road activities may expose riders to the dangers of asbestos-related disease.
Off-Road Activity in California Linked to Asbestos Exposure
According to a study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, off-road vehicles in California (and across the country) may be exposing themselves to naturally-occurring asbestos.
When riders go off-road, all-terrain vehicles blazing a trail frequently kick up dust clouds. Dangerously, these dust clouds in California may contain naturally-occurring asbestos from the underlying rocks and soil.
The study’s scientists went on to mention that nearly 80 percent of the trails used in states like California, Arizona, Colorado and other popular off-road destinations are located within 20 miles of "substantial" sites of natural asbestos deposits. Nearly one-third of these sites are located within a single mile of asbestos deposits. Although this percentage is based on findings across multiple states, it is worth noting that 42 of 58 California counties have naturally occurring asbestos.
The researchers who conducted the study warn that this puts riders at risk of inhaling asbestos, which is known to cause fatal diseases like mesothelioma cancer. While most asbestos exposure has traditionally been related to work at industrial jobsites, off-road riders are presented with a unique safety risk pertaining to asbestos exposure.
Regulatory Bodies Have Already Shown Concern Regarding California Trails
In 2008, the federal Bureau of Land Management ordered an emergency closure of California’s Clear Creek Recreation Area due to the site’s large asbestos deposits. Recently, Congress has moved to lift this closure, notwithstanding the fact that Clear Creek was a popular off-road destination.
If you or a loved one is an off-road rider, it is in your best interests to advise them of the latest asbestos research demonstrating the potential risk of riding off-road.
If you or a loved one has already been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, talk to a California mesothelioma lawyer at The Ledger Law Firm today.
Talk to a California Mesothelioma Lawyer
The Ledger Law Firm pursues your right to compensation if your mesothelioma was caused by the wrongful exposure of a legally responsible party. Our nationally recognized law firm will help you prove that your illness was caused by a responsible party, which will help you receive the money you need for treatment and justice.
Billions in trust fund assets are set aside to compensate California victims, so the time to act is now. Contact us online to discuss your mesothelioma lawsuit with a mesothelioma lawyer at The Ledger Law Firm today.
