In the 1990’s, the vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana made the sleepy town synonymous with asbestos exposure, cancer and asbestos injury mortality.  However, it is important to remember that the asbestos-containing vermiculite mined in Libby was distributed throughout the United States.  Although the effects of long-term, concentrated asbestos exposure was witnesses in the town, a recent editorial by Bruce Ingraham published in the Billings Gazette alleges that almost 90% of mesothelioma cases reported in Montana occur in communities along railroad lines in towns far from Libby, such as Dillon, Hardin and Sidney.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the protective lining of the lungs, heart, chest and abdomen.  Its only known cause is prolonged asbestos exposure.  Therefore, it is perfectly reasonable to assume that anyone who regularly worked with products made of the vermiculite mined in Libby would also be particularly at risk of developing asbestos cancer.

“As an asbestos educator I often get asked about asbestos concerns stemming from Libby. However, this same awareness of Libby needs to be applied to your own home, school and work environment,” says Ingraham.  “Vermiculite insulation, which is often less than 5 percent asbestos, is only one asbestos product. Many items used in the Montana building industry contain far more asbestos than vermiculite. Karstolite, a nearly 100 percent asbestos product, whose production was based in the Bozeman area, is less common than the Libby vermiculite; yet presents a far greater exposure risk.”

Ingraham also chastises the Montana DEQ’s indifference toward illegal asbestos abatement, which if done improperly can expose workers and citizens to the deadly fiber.  He says that the DEQ’s actions are “no different than W.R. Grace’s failing to protect the workers and citizens of Libby.”

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