History of Asbestos in Montana
Montana is the largest producer of vermiculite in the world. Vermiculite is most commonly used in the production of insulation and as a soil additive, such as in commercially produced potting soils. Vermiculite alone is not dangerous; however, the vermiculite exported from Montana is heavily contaminated with asbestos, which occurs naturally in the mines where the vermiculite is extracted.
Vermiculite mining began in the state in the 1920's. The most well known vermiculite company in Montana is the W. R. Grace Company. Between the 1960s and 1990s, the company exported millions of tons of contaminated vermiculite to states around the country and abroad. As a result, many states that did not have natural asbestos deposits became contaminated with the deadly, mesothelioma causing substance.
Tragically, the workers in the W.R. Grace vermiculite mines, as well as a majority of the population in the nearby town of Libby, Montana, were heavily exposed to asbestos as it was disturbed and then spread into the air outside of the mine or tracked home on workers' clothing, shoes and hair. This exposure has led to more than 50% of the local population being diagnosed with asbestos diseases such asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Many have died.
Recently, Montana mesothelioma lawyers and others representing the victims of this horrendous exposure took W.R. Grace and some of its top executives to court. The trial resulted in a not guilty verdict for W. R. Grace. Members of the Libby community, all of which have known someone that has died from asbestos, were devastated and struggle to understand how the company could not be held accountable.
The community is overwhelmed with medical bills and other losses stemming from this tragedy. Thankfully, the federal government is stepping in with a grant to provide members of the community with medical care related to their asbestos exposure.
In addition to asbestos contaminated vermiculite, Montana also is home to several other industries that commonly experienced asbestos exposure in the 20th century: construction, oil refineries and paper mills.
Companies with Potential Asbestos Exposure
- Anaconda Aluminum, Anaconda
- Anaconda Copper Mill: Anaconda, Butte, Columbia Falls
- Bozeman College, Bozeman
- Cenex, Inc., Laurel
- Colstrip Power Plant, Billings
- Conoco, Billings
- Corette Powerhouse, Billings
- Exxon, Billings
- Farmers Union Central Exchange, Laurel
- Fiberglass Engineering & Supply Co., Billings
- General Mills – Flour Division, Great Falls
- Glasgow Air Force Base, Glasgow
- Hoerner Waldorf Paper Products, Missoula
- J. Neil Lumber Co., Libby
- Libby Mines, Libby
- Missoula Electric Cooperative, Missoula
- Montana Power Company, statewide
- Montana Refining, Great Falls
- Montana-Dakota Utilities: Glendive, Sidney
- Omaha Power District
- Phillips Petroleum Co., Great Falls
- Sidney Montana Powerhouse, Sidney
- Sulphuric Acid Plant, Anaconda
- Texaco, Inc., Sunburst
- Union Oil Co., Cut Bank
- University of Montana, Missoula
- Victor Chemical Co., Butte
- W.R. Grace Co., Libby
Asbestos-related Deaths in Montana
Statistics reporting the number of mesothelioma deaths in Montana are inaccurate. Several different agencies have compiled partial numbers but none are considered conclusive.
The numbers are believed to be quite high, especially given the Libby victims. That community will continue to see statistically elevated rates of mesothelioma deaths for another 10 to 20 years because of the disease's long latency period—sometimes as long as 50 years.
Where to Get Help
Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in Montana
There are no treatment centers specifically for mesothelioma in Montana. Mesothelioma victims can visit a general cancer treatment center such as:
Montana Cancer Center
500 West Broadway
Missoula, Montana 59801
Medical Oncology: 406-728-2539
Radiation Oncology: 406-329-5655
Another option is to travel to a different state, such as Minnesota, where a number of notable mesothelioma treatment centers are located.
Residents of Libby, Montana, diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases may soon be able to seek treatment directly in their community because of the federal grant of $6 million to be awarded in August. For more information about this grant and what it means for you, contact:
Lincoln County Nurse
418 Main, Libby, MT 59923
406-293-2660
Lincoln County Community Health Center
320 East 2nd Street,
Libby, MT 59923
406-293-3755
Tragically, the victims of the W.R. Grace disaster did not win their recent lawsuit, although appeals may be an option.
There are victims that were exposed somewhere else in the state. If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos in Montana, or currently live in Montana, and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is very important that you speak with a Montana mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.
If you decide to file a lawsuit, and settle or win your case, you could receive financial compensation for your medical bills and expenses as well as other financial and emotional loss.* A qualified Montana mesothelioma lawyer can review your exposure and see if you have a case.
The mesothelioma trial lawyers at Simon, Eddins & Greenstone, LLP have experience assisting asbestos victims in Montana and we're familiar with the state's asbestos litigation history and laws. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case. We'll answer your questions and help you get the help you need. Call today. 866-632-7574.
*Outcome depends on the actual details of your case.