Asbestos fibers in beach sand? Absolutely.

July 6, 2008 -- If you're planning to go to Illinois' most popular beach this summer, do you know about the asbestos in the sand you'll be laying in and your kids will be playing in?

Two million people visit every year visit Illinois Beach State Park each year and 11 years ago that the Sun-Times revealed the presence of asbestos fibers and asbestos-containing material at Illinois Beach State Park.

And now, after more than a decade, state and federal officials have said the beach is safe, even though internal documents from EPA experts and a 2006 study showed "significantly elevated" levels of asbestos at the park - including amphibole - the most toxic kind.

Asbestos causes a type of cancer called mesothelioma. When fibers get in the lungs, they stay. Many years later, you may notice a shortness of breath. By then, it's too late. It is estimated 10,000 Americans die a year from asbestos-related diseases.

Looking for more asbestos information? Use the following links to find what you're looking for: