naturally occurring substances
Substances that are naturally present in the environment, but still may expose
organizations to environmental liability. Examples include mercury, arsenic,
asbestos, pyrite, silica, and radon. Most of these substances are discovered
during development or construction. For construction firms, the biggest exposure
is disturbance of this material through excavation, street/road construction,
and any other intrusive type work. Environmental and pollution liability policies
often do not cover this exposure, either by exclusion, definition, or omission.