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Libby to receive additional funds for Libby Asbestos Medical Plan
The community of Libby, Montana, has long suffered from the consequences of asbestos-related illnesses, including the rare but aggressive cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can lie dormant for decades and can kill within months of being diagnosed. The high rate of asbestos illness in Libby is due to a long history of mining activity in the community. Vermiculite mines operated by W. R. Grace were tainted with asbestos, and the asbestos has caused many people in the area, even those who had no direct contact with the mines, to become ill.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declared a public health emergency in Libby several months ago, and $6 million was sent Libby's way to provide for healthcare. Now, it has been reported that Libby can expect even more money to come their way. $2 million in two-year state appropriations will be sent to Libby, which includes $1 million to continue the Libby Asbestos Medical Plan, an initiative that pays for health screenings and health services.
This massive influx of cash is well-deserved, as a recent study by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety listed Libby as the US community with the highest number of asbestosis cases. In addition, Libby ranks third in the nation for number of mesothelioma cases. There is no cure for mesothelioma, but some patients do benefit from palliative treatments such as chemotherapy.
The Libby Superfund site cleanup will likely mean an additional influx of $125 million by the Environmental Protection Agency to abate asbestos in the community. In 2009 alone, the EPA removed 102,991 cubic yards of contaminated soil from 157 properties in Libby.