Asbestos in New Mexico

New Mexico's diverse geology and history of mining and construction have resulted in the presence of asbestos in certain areas, potentially posing health risks to those exposed.

While not as widespread as in some heavily industrialized states, asbestos is found in New Mexico due to its natural occurrence in certain geological formations and its past use in construction and other industries. This presents potential hazards to workers in mining, construction, and other occupations, as well as residents in areas with naturally occurring asbestos. Learn about the sources of asbestos exposure in New Mexico, the associated health risks, and resources available to protect yourself.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in New Mexico

Explore 209 known asbestos sites and job-sites across New Mexico.

Job Site	City	State
1101 Sawmill Road Nw	Albuquerque	NM
Ace Building & Supply	Hobbs	NM
Ace Welding Service	Hobbs	NM
ACF/GE Plant	Albuquerque	NM
Air Traffic Control Center	Albuquerque	NM
Alamogordo Lumber	Alamogordo	NM
Albuquerque & Cerrillos Coal	Los Cerrillos	NM
Albuquerque & Cerrillos Coal	Albuquerque	NM
Albuquerque Convention Center	Albuquerque	NM
Albuquerque Gas & Electric	Albuquerque	NM
Albuquerque Gas & Electric	Bernalillo	NM
Algodones Power Plant	Algodones	NM
American Gypsum	Albuquerque	NM
American Laundry & Dry Cleaning	Hurley	NM
Anaconda	Grants	NM

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in New Mexico

Miners: Asbestos can be found near deposits of copper, lead, zinc, and uranium, posing a risk to miners involved in the extraction of these minerals (Example: Mines in Grant County and Hidalgo County).
Construction Workers: Older buildings in New Mexico may contain asbestos in insulation, roofing materials, flooring, and fireproofing (Example: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings constructed before the 1980s).
Oil and Gas Workers: Asbestos was used in some oil and gas production facilities for insulation and fireproofing. (Example: Oil refineries and processing plants).

New Mexico Asbestos Regulations and Laws

New Mexico has established regulations and guidelines to manage asbestos and protect public health. These are primarily overseen by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB).

New Mexico Environment Department (NMED)

NMED plays a key role in asbestos management, including:

Regulating asbestos abatement activities.
Licensing asbestos abatement contractors.
Overseeing the proper disposal of asbestos-containing waste.
Providing information and guidance on asbestos-related issues.

New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB)

OHSB enforces workplace safety regulations related to asbestos exposure, including:

Setting permissible exposure limits for asbestos fibers in the workplace.
Requiring employers to provide worker training and protective equipment.
Conducting inspections to ensure compliance with asbestos regulations.

Key Laws and Regulations:

New Mexico Air Quality Control Act: This act provides the NMED with the authority to regulate air pollutants, including asbestos.
New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Act: This act establishes workplace safety standards, including those related to asbestos exposure.
NMED Asbestos Regulations: These regulations provide specific requirements for asbestos abatement projects, including notification, work practices, and disposal.

Sources

New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) - Asbestos: https://www.env.nm.gov/air-quality/asbestos/
New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources - Asbestos Minerals in New Mexico: https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/resources/minerals/industrial/asbestos/home.html

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in New Mexico?

If you or a loved one is sick or passed away due to asbestos, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. New Mexico law protects victims of asbestos exposure. We can assist you in understanding your legal options.