These minerals do not have any detectable odor or taste. Asbestos can be found naturally in soil and rocks in some areas.
Asbestos fibers are resistant to heat and most chemicals.
However, pieces of fibers can enter the air and water from the weathering of natural deposits and the wearing down of man-made asbestos products. Small fibers and fiber-containing particles may remain suspended in the air for a long time and be carried long distances by wind or water currents before settling. Larger fibers and particles tend to settle more quickly. Asbestos fibers are not able to move through soil. Asbestos fibers are not broken down to other compounds in the environment.