1097-0274/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=e0f33b687598b5adbbbced84abe7a827fb4a7d56 "American Journal of Industrial Medicine")
“Dr. Alan Whitehouse has served as an expert witness in United States v. WR Grace and related Bankruptcy Proceedings.”
Brief Report
Environmental exposure to Libby asbestos and mesotheliomas
Article first published online: 23 JUL 2008
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20620
Copyright © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Whitehouse, A. C., Black, C. B., Heppe, M. S., Ruckdeschel, J. and Levin, S. M. (2008), Environmental exposure to Libby asbestos and mesotheliomas. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 51: 877–880. doi: 10.1002/ajim.20620
Publication History
- Issue published online: 24 OCT 2008
- Article first published online: 23 JUL 2008
- Manuscript Accepted: 12 JUN 2008
Funded by
- CDC. Grant Number: 875
- CCH. Grant Number: 524709-01
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- tremolite;
- winchite;
- richterite;
- mesothelioma;
- asbestos;
- pleural cancer;
- asbestos pleural disease;
- vermiculite;
- Libby
Abstract
Background
Thirty-one cases of mesothelioma resulting from exposure to Libby Asbestos have been identified from Libby, Montana. Eleven cases not previously reported are the subject of this report.
Methods
These cases are in non-occupationally exposed people, appearing to have resulted from exposure to contamination of the community, the surrounding forested area, and areas in proximity to the Kootenai river and railroad tracks used to haul vermiculite.
Results
These exposures are considered to be of a low degree of magnitude, but are similar to those in Western Australia's crocidolite mine at Wittenoom Gorge. An epidemic of mesothelioma can likely be expected from this type of asbestos contamination over the next 20 plus years. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:877-880, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc