Asbestos Mines
Asbestos was once considered to be a “miracle mineral” for its heat resistance and durability. This fiber-like mineral has been mined because of these useful properties since early Greek civilization.
Yet even as early as the Roman Empire, slaves at the asbestos mines were noted to have a higher incidence of illness and early death. Regardless, mining of asbestos continued for centuries, peaking during the Industrial Revolution when it was regarded as the perfect insulator for newly emerging factories.
Eventually, asbestos was refined and incorporated into a number of building materials, fabrics and other products. Despite its seemingly desirable properties, asbestos is a carcinogen, and mining the mineral puts the miners at a high risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.
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Asbestos Mining in North America
Before asbestos mining came to the United States, it was already commonplace in Canada. Quebec was a large asbestos mining area, though mines operated in cities all across Canada. At one point, Canada had several dozen mines in operation and was the largest exporter of asbestos to the United States and many other countries. Today, only one mine remains in Canada, but plans were recently introduced to increase production at this Quebec mine.
In the United States, asbestos mining began just before the turn of the 20th century. The first mine opened in the Sall Mountain area of Georgia. Eventually, about 60 asbestos mines were operating in the eastern United States while many others were thriving in California, Oregon and Washington. The last operation to close on the East Coast was the Lowell chrysotile quarry, which ceased operations in 1993. On the West Coast, one California location continued mining until 2002.
U.S. asbestos mining peaked around 1973, a few years before the federal government issued warnings about asbestos and began to regulate its use. Unfortunately for most of the miners, many were already sick, and the restrictions came much too late.
Learn More about How Asbestos Exposure Could Affect You
Vermiculite Mining and Asbestos
Vermiculite is a member of the phyllosilicate group of minerals and is found in many parts of the world. Vermiculite can contain many other minerals, including asbestos. However, not all vermiculite is contaminated with asbestos. Much vermiculite mined in the United States has been tested and does not contain asbestos fibers.
One prominent vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana was tainted with vermiculite and became one of the largest environmental disasters in the United States. The W.R. Grace vermiculite mine saw countless workers become ill and pass away, while more than a thousand residents and children in the town also were affected by the asbestos the mine released into the air.
The mine was designated as a Superfund site by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2002. Then in 2009, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson declared a public health emergency in Libby. This was the first time the EPA had declared a public health emergency, which to many public health officials, signaled the severity of the asbestos exposure in the town.
Other Mining Sources of Asbestos
A number of taconite mines have come under fire for the high prevalence of asbestos-related diseases in their workers. One such mine, the Iron Range in Minnesota, is noted for a mesothelioma incidence rate that is twice as high as the general population.
Mesothelioma patients should obtain treatment as early as possible. To be connected with the best care center in your area, please contact the Mesothelioma Center’s Doctor Match program for free assistance. If you have any questions, our Patient and Family Advocates are here to help. Simply call 800-615-2270 to be assisted.
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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.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
