A defense attorney in the W.R. Grace & Co. trial brought forward evidence on Thursday that indicated that top government officials were aware of the dangers inherent in asbestos-tainted vermiculite decades ago.

The Missoulian newspaper reported the court proceedings on its Web site Thursday evening.

Defense attorney Thomas Frongillo cross-examined Dr. Aubrey Miller, who went to Libby in 1999 as part of the EPA’s emergency response team. On Tuesday, Miller testified about the serious health risks posed by the asbestos contamination, which he stated presented an “imminent” danger to the community.

On Thursday, Attorney Frongillo cited EPA reports showing that the government was investigating asbestos-laced vermiculite as early as 1980. The feds understood the risks the substance could pose to human health. Other studies were also commissioned in 1982, 1985, and 1991.

W. R. Grace and Company has been involved in a number of controversial incidents over the years. They have been involved in both alleged crimes and proven cases. Among these are the current W.R. Grace trial regarding the contamination of asbestos in the towns of Libby and Troy, Montana. Additionally, W.R. Grace was also implicated in an instance of water contamination in Woburn, Massachusetts. The incident in Woburn was so famous it became the basis for the book A Civil Action, as well as a John Travolta film of the same name.

W. R. Grace & Co. ran the vermiculite mining operation in Libby that allegedly contaminated the entire town. A large percentage of Libby residents now suffer from asbestos diseases, including pleural mesothelioma cancer.

Source:

The Missoulian
Local 8 News