During my travels in Montana this year, I went to Libby, MT. A great town, and if you read the blog, you know it is known as "The City of Eagles", and has some beautiful metal sculptures of eagles in the city. I also wrote about the Libby Cafe as having some of the BEST pie I have ever eaten. A "must see and eat" place.
However, in Montana Libby is also know as the town where asbestos poisioning has killed many of their citizens, and while they waged a law suit against W. R. Grace and Company (that they knowingly poisoned the residents of Libby), the town lost. Their senator (can't remember his name at the moment) has secured about $130M to help the town clean up the problem.
I was contacted by Jesse Herman of the Mesothelioma Cancer Center (jesse@asbestos.com) and he asked me to post an article about the dangers of asbestos. When you read the article and learn that over 400 people from Libby and Troy died as a result of the disease caused by asbestos, you'll understand why I wanted to post this article on the blog. So here it is.
Asbestos Concerns Raised in Libby Montana: Tips on Avoiding Asbestos Exposure
June 17, 2009, the towns of Libby and Troy in Northwest were placed under a public health emergency by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Vermiculite, which is contaminated with asbestos, was mined in the town of Libby until 1990. The Environmental Protection Agency's new administrator has made vigorous statements in not only acknowledging the grave health concerns surrounding Libby, but has demanded for aggressive cleanups to protect the citizens from asbestos exposure. It is estimated the $130 million will be initiated for cleanup efforts and improved health care for those who have been struck with asbestos-related diseases. This serious health situation has not been well documented by the mainstream media and hopefully the asbestos that was left behind by past institutions will now be safely removed.
Approximately 400 residents have passed away from asbestos-related disease sine the mines closing in 1990 and it is estimated 2,000 citizens have become ill as a result of asbestos exposure. Even though Montana is a rural state with a small population, there has been a high level of asbestos-related deaths. In Libby, Montana, mining began in the 1920's and became the largest exporter asbestos contaminated vermiculite in the world.
Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral used in millions of homes throughout the twentieth century as a form of insulation, piping, roofing and flooring. Asbestos was a highly regarded mineral due to its heat resistant properties. It was not only versatile, but extremely durable as well. This made it an ideal choice for manufacturer's worldwide.
Homes and buildings built prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos. It should be made known that exposure to asbestos can lead to health concerns. There are now green insulation options that replace the need for asbestos entirely.
Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers may lead to the development of a rare, but severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Research demonstrates that over 2,000 to 3,000 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Many variables can affect a mesothelioma diagnosis. These include length latency period, age of diagnosis and cigarette smoking.
Healthy Tips: If any suspected asbestos is in good shape, it's posing no apparent risk. If it's in bad shape, it could be a problem. If you locate or suspect asbestos, the best advice is to leave it alone and un-disturbed as this will prevent its fibers from becoming airborne. Hiring a home inspector to determine the proper course of action is the next step. Sometimes the best action is no action at all when dealing with asbestos.
If a home inspector suggests removal is necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling hazardous materials. They can perform the removal in public facilities, homes and work places. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality provides assistance and information on asbestos abatement and the regulations involved to all home or business owners in the state.
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