The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) released a report last week entitled “Summary Report of 28 Sites” in which the Department of Health and Human Services-affiliated group revealed findings related to the processing of asbestos mined in Libby, Montana. According to the report, the Libby-mined ore was shipped to hundreds of locations nationwide for processing, 28 of which were required to undergo evaluation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ATSDR staff. The evaluations, which began in 2002, attempted to trace all vermiculite mined in Libby and determine whether or not people had been experiencing health issues as a result of exposure to dangerous levels of this material at the various processing sites.
One of the 28 sites included in the ATSDR report was the former Zonolite Company, located in Brutus, NY, right outside of the Village of Weedsport. The processing factory operated from 1963 until 1989 and exfoliated (expanded) vermiculate ore that would be used in insulation, fireproofing materials, and building and agricultural products. The exfoliation process “released asbestos fibers from the ore into the air, where they could be inhaled” by workers. During its operation, the Brutus location processed roughly 150,000 tons of vermiculite.
The ATSDR has named three groups of people who may have been exposed to asbestos at or around the 28 sites named in their report: former employees of processing sites, household members of former employees, and members of the community, who may have come into contact with factory waste. Anyone who fits in to one of these three groups should consult with their physician to determine whether or not they were exposed to harmful levels of asbestos, as previous exposure to this toxin may cause mesothelioma, a deadly cancer.
In 1989, prior to closing the processing plant’s doors, the owner of the Libby, Montana mines, W.R. Grace, “reportedly” cleaned the interior and exterior of the exfoliating building and also conducted air quality testing. At that time, it was reported that no asbestos contamination had occurred. Since 2001, the site has been unoccupied.
Data supplied by EPA in 2001 showed “some asbestos” in the soil at the site, but officials claim that nearby residents are not in danger, as a fence surrounds the property, preventing people from stepping foot on any contaminated soil. In addition, the soil is overgrown with vegetation, also making human exposure “highly unlikely.” The ATSDR summary further recommends medical advisement for all former workers and any community members who may have been exposed during the processing plant’s operational years.
Those who live in the nearby community can view a media statement for by visiting www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/sites/national_map/fact_sheets/weedsportny.html. The entire summary report can be downloaded by visiting either the ATSDR or EPA website.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center urges all residents in the Weedsport/Brutus, NY communities to speak with their doctor regarding possible exposure to asbestos.
For more information about asbestos exposure, mesothelioma cancer and mesothelioma treatment options, please visit www.maacenter.org.
