Asbestos in Montana
Montana Asbestos
Montana is a state that has both industries that use asbestos, as well as deposits of naturally occurring asbestos. Power plants have the highest risk as far as industrially-induced asbestos exposure.
Jobs with Asbestos Exposure
Montana had vermiculite mining that dated back to the 1920s. The city of Libby became one of the largest manufacturers of vermiculite that contained asbestos. They supplied over 89 percent of the vermiculite that was used in tools for insulation and other materials.
Power plants run 24 hours a day to supply the constant demand for electrical power and the need to supply that demand around the clock. The insulation used to cover pipes usually contains asbestos.
Montana also has deposits within the state boundaries that contain naturally occurring asbestos.
Asbestos-Related Deaths
Due to Libby’s high level of residents who have been exposed to asbestos, scientific research of the diseases associated with the toxic fibers have begun. Although the mine was shut during the early ‘90s, mesothelioma does have a long latency period and those exposed may not be aware of any symptoms until much later. Montana is 15th in the nation for mesothelioma deaths.
