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Occupations and Environmental Areas at Risk

Asbestos mining operations at Belvidere Mountain near the towns of Eden and Lowell provided a major source for asbestos exposure. Employees of the New England Asbestos Mining and Milling Company and Vermont Product Corporation (both owners of the mine) may have experienced exposure through mining, transporting or processing asbestos. Although the Belvidere Mountain asbestos mines were the first in the United States, they were also the last to close, finally shutting down in 1993.

Because of the latency period associated with the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, former employees of the companies that operated the mine may just now start to feel the effects of their exposure. Even today, there are still large quantities of asbestos around the mines and an estimated 30 million tons of rock that has been processed to some degree.

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources launched an investigation into the mines in 2004, concerned about the erosion of hazardous materials that could be reaching nearby streams and wetland areas. Medical studies performed for the investigation showed no increase of mesothelioma risk for residents living in the towns near the mines. The five cases of mesothelioma reported, in the area, from 1996 to 2005 were all determined to have been occupationally related. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently evaluating the mines to determine its eligibility for Superfund listing.

W.R. Grace also shipped one ton of its asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from Libby, Montana to a processing plant in Morrisville, Vermont. These processing plants "popped" or exfoliated the asbestos-contaminated vermiculite to make attic insulation and various other products. Those who worked at the plant were at serious risk of exposure to asbestos and even people who lived in the surrounding neighborhoods could have been exposed to levels of asbestos higher than national ambient standards.

Another location within Vermont that may have provided an occupational source for asbestos exposure is the Vermont Yankee Power Plant located in the city of Vernon. Power plants have a history of exposing employees to hazardous substances like asbestos . Because the plant began operations in 1972 and during a time when asbestos use was prevalent in power plants, asbestos was likely used to insulate pipes, generators, boilers and electrical components. Employees asked to repair these pieces of equipment were at an increased risk for exposure. Other power plants in the state where workers were potentially exposed to asbestos include:

• Montpelier and Barre Light and Power Company
• Corry Deavitt Frost Electric Company
• Consolidated Light and Power Company
• Vermont Electric Power Company Inc
• St. Albans Electric Light and Power Company

In 2006 the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation warned its residents of auto parts containing asbestos. The department cautioned that auto repair workers are most at risk, especially those who work in an auto repair shop. They advise the use of water and special equipment to prevent asbestos fibers from releasing into the work area.

Paper mills and textile factories are also known for using asbestos products throughout their facilities. Some of the paper mill and textile factory locations in Vermont where asbestos exposure may have occurred among workers include:

• White Mt Paper Company
• Green Mountain Paper
• International Paper Company
• Black Cat Textiles

In 2008, the Montpelier school district faced asbestos concerns before the start of the school year. Union Elementary, Main Street Middle School and Montpelier High School all delayed the first day of school so that asbestos exposure risks could be eliminated. According to a lawsuit filed against an area flooring company, proper removal of asbestos-containing materials did not occur. Schools in general have a history of using products that contain asbestos.

Jobsites with Known Asbestos Exposure

Vermont's Regulations for Managing Asbestos

Vermont's Department of Health is responsible for setting and enforcing asbestos regulations pertaining to abatement contractors, permits for removing asbestos, proper notifications and disposal methods. Their Outreach Program is designed to educate the public about state and federal laws, including those implemented by the EPA. Vermont's Department of Health also has an Enforcement and Compliance Inspection Program to manage renovation and demolition projects involving asbestos-containing materials. For more information, please click here to visit their informational resource on asbestos.

Proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials is managed under Vermont's Solid Waste Management Rules. If asbestos materials need to be disposed, an asbestos contractor certified by the Vermont Department of Health must pick up and deliver the waste. All asbestos-containing waste must be clearly labeled as follows: "Caution – Contains Asbestos Fibers – Avoid Creating Dust – Cancer and Lung Disease Hazard."

The risk for asbestos exposure and the potential development of an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma has strengthened asbestos regulations in Vermont and nationally during the last two decades. Public health officials in every state are pushing for tighter regulations with the hope of preventing future cases of asbestos-related disease throughout the United States.

View the complete DHHS document here.

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