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Asbestos Exposure in Libby, Montana
Vermiculite mining in and near the city of Libby, Montana began in the 1920s and was continued by the W.R. Grace Company from 1963 until 1990. The vermiculite ore mined in Libby was contaminated with tremolite asbestos. Overview of ATSDR Activities in Libby ATSDR has conducted and continues to conduct a number activities related to asbestos and Libby. They include:
Department of Health and Human Services Agencies Involved in Libby Other HHS agencies also made a major commitment to the Libby community and continue to provide support. The Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) awarded funds for a community health center (CHC) in Libby. The CHC will provide primary care services for all of Lincoln County. Its focus is on providing selected primary care services to those in the community who are medically underserved. According to HRSA officials, the CHC should receive at least $400,000 per year and can continue in perpetuity. The CHC is governed by a community board that decides on services and treatments to be provided through the clinic. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will provide $80,000 to the hospital for psychological and social services, education, and outreach for those affected by asbestos-related problems. The initial contract is for one year and started in August, 2001. Designation as a "Health Professional Shortage Area" (HPSA) makes the community eligible to compete for HRSA programs that place health professionals in high-need areas through loan repayment incentives. National Asbestos Exposure ReviewATSDR's National Asbestos Exposure Review (NAER)is studying more than 200 locations that received asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from Libby, Montana. For More InformationFor more information on Libby, Montana, visit the EPA's web page on Libby and see the ATSDR Studies section.
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This page last updated on October 10, 2003
Joanne Cox / Robert Searfoss ATSDR-OpeaMail@cdc.gov
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