naturally occurring asbestos (NOA)
Asbestos as it is naturally found in various minerals, such as chrysotile,
crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite, and serpentinite.
Undisturbed, these minerals may have little to no impact on the environment
and human health. However, weathering, mining, real estate development, and
construction may emit asbestos fibers into the atmosphere, exposing the workforce
and communities to unknown respiratory hazards. See also
Asbestos.