All types of the asbestos mineral are known carcinogens, no matter what arguments are made by asbestos-driven industries. The evidence on this subject is clear and convincing, although the evidence also suggests that some forms of asbestos are far more dangerous than others.
Specifically, tremolite asbestos is considered to be the most lethal form of asbestos. The highly publicized asbestos health risk that resulted from the Libby, Montana vermiculite mine particularly emphasizes this fact.
Over a nearly 30-year period, W.R. Grace & Co. operated a now-infamous vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana. Over time, it eventually came to light that the mine’s vermiculite deposits also contained tremolite asbestos. As the years went by, a large number of occupational and non-occupational asbestos exposures resulted.
An epidemic of deaths resulted because of the tremolite asbestos presence, and litigation ensued after investigative journalism led to national attention and public outcry. During legal proceedings, testimony ultimately proved that W.R. Grace & Co. chose to continue mine operations, even after the company’s leadership discovered the potential hazards of asbestos exposure. Worse, neither employees nor any of the town’s residents were made aware of the grave danger and risk facing their community.
While the vermiculite mine in Libby was the most extreme example of the safety threat posed by tremolite asbestos, understand that vermiculite is still regularly used today. As such, it is important to keep in mind that other sources of vermiculite may also be contaminated with tremolite.
For example, many home and gardening products use vermiculite in their products. That said, it must be noted that the Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that consumers face only a "minimal health risk" from using these products. The conclusion was made after an extensive investigation, but this is not to say "minimal" risk should be conflated with no health risk.
Tremolite has also been found as a contaminant in industrial and commercial talc as well, showing that tremolite risk extends beyond vermiculite concerns. Many lawsuits have been filed over the consumer use of talcum powder since talc products and powder have occasionally been proven to have tremolite asbestos contamination. When powders contain asbestos, then the consumers who use those powders and industrial workers alike may be at risk of developing an asbestos-related illness.
In short, it is still possible to be exposed to tremolite asbestos and the harms related to this deadly form of asbestos.
The Ledger Law Firm represents mesothelioma victims whose disease may have been caused by an exposure to tremolite asbestos. Our firm has earned a national reputation for helping asbestos-related illness victims recover millions in deserved compensation.
If you have reason to believe that asbestos-contaminated talcum powder or asbestos-contaminated vermiculite caused your diagnosis, we are ready to protect your rights and put our national resources to work for your legal claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your tremolite asbestos claim.
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