Senate passes asbestos awareness resolution
Last week the U.S. Senate adopted a resolution designating the first week of April as National Asbestos Awareness Week. The resolution was co-sponsored by both of Montana’s senators and was passed by unanimous consent.
This marks the 11th time the Senate has passed a resolution for National Asbestos Awareness Week, but this time it hits a bit closer to home. Among the numerous whereas clauses, the name of one city stood alone: Libby.
“Whereas people in the small community of Libby, Montana, suffer from asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, at a significantly higher rate than people in the United States as a whole;” the resolution stated.
The resolution urges the Surgeon General of the United States to warn and educate people about the health dangers associated with asbestos exposure.
Dr. Brad Black of the Center for Asbestos Related Diseases in Libby praised the Senate’s action.
“Our senators have been very good about this. We’re tickled that our new senator, Sen. Daines, stepped up to endorse the resolution. We’re also very pleased about Sen. Tester’s continued support,” Black said.
Black serves on the science advisory board of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, the group behind the awareness campaign. While asbestos is no longer mined in Libby and no longer legally used in manufacturing in America, Black said it’s important to keep up the campaign for awareness.
“Asbestos is still mined and used in products in other places around the world,” Black said. “The diseases are still there. They keep happening. People need to be aware of this. It’s another preventable disease we could wipe off the books if we go after it.”
Sen. Steve Daines, Montana’s freshman senator, said the issue of asbestos exposure requires more attention and public awareness.
“Too many Libby families have suffered at the hands of the fatal effects of asbestos. This is just one stop in doing everything possible to raise awareness,” Daines said.
Montana’s senior senator, Jon Tester, echoed Daines’ sentiment.
“After meeting with families impacted by asbestos exposure and hearing their stories, cleaning up Libby has been a top priority for me since I took office. Our work is far from done and I will continue to support ongoing research and ensure folks in Libby are getting the health care they need,” Tester said.
Hundreds of Libby residents have died, and hundreds more continue to suffer, as a result of exposure to asbestos related to the mining, refining and distribution of asbestos at the former W.R. Grace and Co. mine outside Libby.
Libby is registered on the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Priorities List, commonly referred to as Superfund. The agency is expected to release a final remediation plan for the site cleanup later this year and complete work within the next three to five years.