Reduction of Asbestos Exposure in Libby, Montana, at Top of City's Priority List

The Libby Board of Health has put forth an initiative for a plan that would reduce current and future risk of asbestos exposure to residents throughout the Montana city made infamous by asbestos. With funds provided by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the initiative aims to focus on developing a long-term plan to reduce asbestos exposure threats now and in the future, as the EPA cleans up the Superfund site. A Superfund site is a location that has been designated by the EPA as a place that needs cleanup, because of the presence of hazardous waste. Asbestos, the mineral known for causing respiratory diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer, is commonly found at these sites. The EPA has been working to clean up the Libby Superfund site, but much work is still needed. "Since 1999, the EPA has been removing vermiculite and Libby amphibole contaminated materials from residential, commercial and public properties throughout South Lincoln County," said Allen Payne, Libby City-County Health Committee member.  "EPA's cleanup effort is ongoing and may continue for a number of years, but eventually the EPA will complete its cleanup work." Because much of the initiative will be executed after the EPA's asbestos removal is complete, Libby's Board of Health's plan will allow the city to focus on prevention rather than cleanup. For an area with a devastating health past, continued environmental cleanup efforts are greatly needed. A Tragic History Libby, Montan...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Asbestos Exposure & Bans Source Type: news