Amphibole asbestos in tree bark--a review of findings for this inhalational exposure source in Libby, Montana

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
Tony J WardMohamed I Elashheb

Abstract

In June 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated the town of Libby, Montana, a public health emergency--the first and only time the EPA has made such a determination under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). From about 1920 until 1990, the leading source of vermiculite ore for the United States and the world was from a mine near Libby. This vermiculite ore was contaminated with fibrous and asbestiform amphibole in veins throughout the deposit. Today, areas surrounding the abandoned vermiculite processing/mining facilities and much of the town of Libby are contaminated with these asbestos fibers, contributing to an outbreak of asbestos-related diseases in the Libby population. Trees in Libby and in forested areas surrounding the abandoned mine have accumulated amphibole asbestos fibers on their bark surface, providing for inhalational exposures. Several studies have been conducted to further understand this exposure pathway. To address exposures to the public, Libby amphibole (LA) was measured in personal breathing zone and Tyvek surface wipe samples collected during firewood harvesting simulations, as well as in the ash and emissions of woodstoves when amphi...Continue Reading

References

Jan 1, 1987·American Journal of Industrial Medicine·H E Amandus, R Wheeler
Feb 3, 2004·Environmental Health Perspectives·Bertram Price
Mar 20, 2004·Occupational and Environmental Medicine·J C McDonaldB Armstrong
May 16, 2006·The Science of the Total Environment·Tony J WardJames S Webber
Nov 9, 2007·The Annals of Occupational Hygiene·Julie F HartTara R Zolnikov
Jul 25, 2008·American Journal of Industrial Medicine·Alan C WhitehouseStephen M Levin
May 30, 2009·Environmental Science & Technology·Tony J WardJames S Webber
Jul 1, 1987·Environmental Science & Technology·M L Meredith, R A Hites
Jan 6, 2010·Journal of Environmental and Public Health·Julie F HartMohamed I Elashheb

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Citations

Nov 17, 2012·Clinics in Chest Medicine·A Scott Laney, David N Weissman
Jan 9, 2015·Applied Environmental Education and Communication·Charlene A WintersBrad Black
Jun 22, 2018·Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part a·Roger DiegelRaja Flores

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
transmission electron microscopy
X-ray
electron diffraction

Software Mentioned

AHERA TEM
Libby
Pulaski

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