Asbestos In Your Area

Asbestos in the State of Montana

Asbestos Exposure in Montana

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 has happened in Libby, Montana, and to its residence is nothing short of a travesty. While the full extent of the damage done to the community of Libby will not be known for some time, just the facts we know point to criminal behavior.

Vermiculite mining began in the 1920s in Libby, Montana. Libby eventually became the largest exporter of vermiculite in the world, supplying over 90% 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 1200 of the 2100 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 used 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.

Because of the high risk of occupational exposure in some areas of Montana, as well as a high level of naturally occurring asbestos, it makes 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 gives the best chance of treatment.

Asbestos Related Deaths in Montana

The number of future deaths that are related to asbestos exposure in Libby seems impossible to determine. 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, with the average patient with asbestos related lung disease working 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 from the 1970s that asbestos was contained within the vermiculite and the severe health risk that those who mined and lived in the area were facing, including death.

If you lived near the Libby mine or were employed by W.R.Grace at the mine it makes sense to talk to 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. If you are diagnosed with an asbestos related disease and are considering filing a claim, you have three years, both for personal injury and wrongful death, to file under Montana's statute of limitations laws.

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