Decorative rocks may be snake in the grass

Monday, Nov. 20, 2000 | 4:41 a.m.

The Washoe District Health Department is warning people to be careful about a popular landscaping rock called serpentine because it usually contains asbestos. They warn against walking on it, driving on it or letting children play with it.

The pretty greenish blue, waxy-looking rock crumbles easily and when broken can release microscopic cancer-causing asbestos fibers into the air.

The health board voted in September to ban the sale of serpentine rock in Washoe County. The ban does not apply to rock that is already in use.

The health department recommends people just leave it alone or cover it with 6-12 inches of non-asbestos material, like soil or other decorative rock.

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