Jobsites: The Future of Libby, Montana
This small town with a population of approximately 3,000 people faces an uncertain future. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working to clean up the asbestos in Libby, Montana since 1999, a number of health concerns still exist, and some suggestions have indicated the cleanup has not been handled appropriately.
And in July 2011 reports that federal regulators ignored the distribution of asbestos-laden bark and wood from the cleanup site for over three years - wood used in the town's parks, schools and yards - leave Libby residents with even more questions about the future of the small town and its people.
While the EPA concluded that Libby is a safer place than it was 10 years ago, the town's people must still worry about potential asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. These illnesses can develop up to 50 years after exposure, requiring Libby residents to pay special attention to their health. And with the recent news of the asbestos-laden wood piles found near the edge of the city, the people of Libby have even more cause for concern. More questions. More uncertainty.
Effects of Asbestos Exposure
If you would like to know more about the asbestos found in Libby, Montana, or about the effects of asbestos exposure, fill out the form for a free packet of information.
Health Problems Persist in Libby
To date more than 400 deaths in Libby have been attributed to asbestos exposure from the tainted vermiculite mines. And over 1,750 residents have been diagnosed with related diseases. But the toll does not stop there. Every month the local clinic sees 15-20 patients with similar illnesses, each showing signs of asbestos exposure. And because the latency period for asbestos-related diseases is decades-long, those diagnoses are expected to continue at the same rate through at least 2020.
Current Progress of Libby Clean-Up
Most of the existing buildings have already been through abatement procedures to remove the asbestos from the interior and exterior structures in an attempt to ensure the safety of the town's residents.
Total cleanup efforts have already exceeded $360 million. Tests from 2010 showed that trees as far as eight miles away from Libby contained large quantities of asbestos fibers, and cleanup hopes to address the surrounding towns as well. But when Libby will be free of the asbestos is unclear.
EPA documents are available for review and the organization has launched an information center in the town. More information, including official fact sheets, risk assessment and analysis results are available on the Libby section of the EPA website.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure we can help you find a mesothelioma specialist. Just fill out our Doctor Match Form for help locating a physician.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Thursday, February 9th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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