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Posted on Friday, Nov 13, 2009

Health Screenings Set to Start Monday

Source: www.libbyasbestos.org

Residents of Libby Montana, where asbestos-related disease has created a health crisis, will receive federally-funded health screenings starting Monday. The screenings will include a chest x-ray, health history and current health status.

Malignant mesothelioma (a cancer in the lining of the lungs) has been very high in the area with a population of fewer than 10,000. Lung cancer rates in are 30% higher in Libby than in similar populations not exposed to asbestos. Deaths and illness in this area is due to deadly asbestos fibers at the now closed W.R Grace and Company vermiculite mine.

In June, leaders of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in declaring a public health emergency in Libby. The emergency declaration required the provision of federal health care services to the area residents.

Vermiculite was discovered in Libby, Montana in 1913. The mine and mill were purchased by Grace in 1963 and employed about 200 people between that time and 1990. The processing of vermiculite ore that contained a form of asbestos led to widespread asbestos exposure in the community.