The Turbulent Situation Surrounding Asbestos Care in Libby

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News Summary

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby faces closure amid legal battles, raising concerns over healthcare for asbestos exposure victims.

The Turbulent Situation Surrounding Asbestos Care in Libby

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) Clinic in Libby, Montana, has been thrust into the spotlight following a controversial legal ruling and unexpected closure. Serving as a vital resource for individuals exposed to asbestosis due to mining operations, the clinic recently faced forced closure by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office amidst ongoing legal disputes.

A Legal Battle Unraveled

The backdrop of this turmoil stems from a lawsuit brought against CARD by BNSF Railway Company. The court found CARD liable for committing fraud by allegedly enrolling patients for government benefit programs who were not genuinely suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. In a shocking verdict, a jury sided with the railway company, ruling that CARD must pay a staggering $3.1 million in damages.

The decision has left many in the community bewildered, as the clinic played a crucial role in providing essential screening and medical services. The closure of the clinic has been described as “unexpected” and “temporary” by CARD, casting uncertainty on the fate of those needing care.

Ongoing Health Risks from Wildfires

Tub Gulch wildfire burning on the Libby Asbestos Superfund site. This fire has already scorched approximately 2 acres and poses a potential risk of releasing toxic particles into the air.

The Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency has advised residents to steer clear of the fire zone, which has led to closures of some Forest Service roads. In a proactive response, the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program is diligently collecting ambient air samples every 24 hours to monitor asbestos levels due to the fire. However, results from the certified laboratory analyzing these samples are not expected for several days.

The region’s health department continues to keep a watchful eye on outdoor air quality, tracking PM2.5 and PM10 levels and ready to implement public health recommendations based on guidelines from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

A Community Memory and Future Directions

“Healing a Community” is being showcased in both Missoula and Bozeman. This film aims to shed light on the ongoing public health emergency caused by asbestos exposure in Libby, featuring discussions around the community’s experiences and the vital work initiated by CARD.

The screenings will first occur on May 24th at Missoula’s Roxy Theater, followed by a second showing on May 26th at the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture in Bozeman. Admission will be free, enabling community members and concerned individuals to participate in discussions lead by health experts.

The Legacy of the Libby Vermiculite Mine

It is important to remember the historical context of asbestos exposure in Libby. The local vermiculite mine operated for over 70 years before closing in 1990, processing ore tainted with Libby Amphibole asbestos, which continues to endanger public health. Insulation made from contaminated vermiculite is still found in numerous older buildings across the country. Workers in the mine, as well as local loggers and mill workers, face an elevated risk of developing asbestos-associated diseases, which typically take 10 to 40 years to manifest.

Though considerable cleanup efforts have been initiated by the Environmental Protection Agency, many individuals remain at risk from long-ago exposures. Those who have lived in Lincoln County and suspect they may qualify for screening related to asbestos-related diseases are encouraged to reach out to CARD for further information.

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease has emerged as a national beacon of hope, addressing healthcare issues linked to Libby’s hazardous asbestos. Established in 2000, it continues to be at the forefront of combatting the legacy of asbestos exposure in this affected community.