Report: New asbestos cases expected in Libby due to WR Grace vermiculite mine

A new report researched by doctors in Libby, Montana predicts that more people in the WR Grace mine area will develop lung disease from exposure to asbestos, according to a local Montana television station's website on August 12, 2008.

Two Libby doctors investigated the issue with scientists from Detroit and New York City. The study looked at mesothelioma in Libby, and focused on 11 cases that had not been reported before.

None of those people had been miners at the W.R. Grace vermiculite mine. The doctors believe these people were probably exposed to low levels of asbestos in the town in areas close to Grace's mine or processing plants.

The doctors predict that Libby will experience an epidemic of lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis over the next 20 years because of that low-level exposure.

The doctors' findings were published on-line and in print by the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.

Sadly, as the lawyers in the Weitz & Luxenberg Asbestos Litigation unit have seen through their work, this is a common example of people who were exposed to carcinogens simply because the powers that be failed to have in place routine safety measures.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading plaintiffs' law firm that has represented people affected by mesothelioma for over 20 years. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease. If you would like a free consultation or more information about your legal options, please complete the form on this page, and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.