Montana Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks

Asbestos exposure in Montana is a severe problem. Because Montana is a rural state with a relatively small population, it may not seem to have a high level of asbestos related illnesses or deaths, but what happened in Libby, Montana, and to the residents of this community is nothing short of a travesty.

Vermiculite mining began in the 1920s in Libby, Montana. Libby eventually became the largest exporter of vermiculite in the world, supplying more than 90 percent of the vermiculite that was used as insulation, garden additives and for a variety of other purposes. During this time the mine in Libby changed hands. It was operated from 1963 through 1990 by the W.R.Grace Company.

Vermiculite, by itself, is not harmful. The vermiculite that was mined from Libby, however, was contaminated with asbestos. This has lead to many health problems for the residents of Libby. Because of the high dust activity created by mining, asbestos exposure occurred not only to those who worked in the mines but also those who lived in the area. In fact, it is estimated that 1,200 of the 2,100 people living in Libby have some sort of asbestos-related disease. The mortality rate from asbestosis is 60 times higher in Libby than in other areas of the United States.

At Risk Occupations and Locations in Montana

With all of the attention directed at the asbestos exposure in Libby, there are other companies and occupations that have allowed their employees to suffer from asbestos exposure. Anaconda, a company that manufactured both copper and aluminum used asbestos products in the high heat smelting area of the plant.

Power plant workers have also suffered from asbestos exposure, due to the asbestos use in electrical wiring, insulation and conduit. In addition, the three petroleum refineries located in Montana used asbestos containing materials as linings in protective clothing and pipe fittings. Individuals employed by power plants and petroleum refineries should consider themselves at higher risk of developing asbestos related diseases later in life and may wish to schedule regular check-ups with a doctor.

Because of the high risk of occupational exposure in some areas of Montana, as well as a high level of naturally occurring asbestos, it may make sense to consider seeing a doctor regularly if you live in an area that you believe may be affected. Because of the latency period surrounding asbestos-related disease, early diagnosis may help a patient respond more favorably to treatment.

Jobsites with Known Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos Related Deaths in Montana

The total number of deaths related to asbestos exposure in Libby is currently unable to be determined. Asbestos-related disease is often slow to develop, and, because the mine was shut down in 1990, it will be 2010 before a real estimate of the damage done by the mining in Libby can be determined.

Because of the high concentration of residents who have suffered from asbestos exposure, Libby, Montana has become a spot for research into the diseases of asbestosis and mesothelioma. These studies are showing what many scientists have believed: Cumulative exposure increases your risk of disease. The average patient with asbestos-related lung disease worked in the Libby mine seven years. Cumulative exposure is thought to result in higher incidences of mesothelioma, asbestosis, nonmalignant respiratory disease and lung cancer.

Legal Resources for Montana State Residents

Residents of Libby and those who worked in the mine may have to stand in line to file suit against W.R.Grace. W.R.Grace, based in Maryland, was hit hard and seemingly unexpectedly by asbestos related lawsuits in 2000. By 2001, W.R.Grace had filed for bankruptcy protection, but not before illegally transferring assets to other companies owned by W.R.Grace. The bankruptcy judge, understandably, did not look favorably on this move, and they were required to return a billion dollars to the company before the bankruptcy could proceed.

In addition, there is a criminal case against W.R.Grace as well. It is believed that the company knew in the 1970s that asbestos was contained within the vermiculite and were aware of the severe health risk facing those who mined and lived in the area.

If you lived near the Libby mine or were employed by W.R.Grace at the mine, you may wish to speak with an experienced asbestos lawyer. These attorneys are familiar with current litigation and will know the best path to proceed - whether you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease or not. In addition to the cases involving asbestos exposure in Libby, there are a variety of other companies that have been the target of lawsuits regarding asbestos exposure.

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