Libby, Montana asbestos timeline
1939
Zonolite company mines ore and processes vermiculite.
Zonolite sells as insulation to U.S.
1956
State inspector finds high levels of asbestos in mine samples.
No follow-up, changes or consequences
1960's
workers handling vermiculite develop asbestos type illnesses
Many fatalities reported
1963
Vermiculite used in communal areas, exposing community to asbesto
W.R. Grace co. purchases mine, improves working conditions, but workers continue to develop asbestos related illnesses
W.R. Grace denies knowledge of occupational hazard. Later court evidence shows executive were aware and withheld this information from workers.
1980's
The EPA conducts four studies in Libby, demonstrating asbestos dangers, does not publicly announce
No follow-up, changes or consequences
Mid 1980's
Ralph Nader and local newspapers report on asbestos related worker illness and lawsuits against W.R. Grace.
The national press ignores the story.
1989
The EPA bans most use of asbestos
1990
W.R.Grace closes Libby vermiculite mine operations
1999
Seattle Post Intelligencer reports Libby asbestos is killing people. Creates national attention.
The EPA performs soil and air tests
2002
EPA declares Libby a Superfund clean-up site
2003
W.R. Grace ordered to pay $54 million to support environmental clean up
2004
W.R. Grace to pay 1/3 of anticipated costs.
Libby asbestos victims’ medical bills estimated to total $32 million over next 5 years.
At least 1 in 10 Libby residents have asbestos related illness
2009
EPA declares Libby Superfund site a Public Health Emergency (PHE)
Thousands of claims filed against state agencies for failure to warn of the asbestos contamination. State agencies continue to claim no legal obligation to warn of mine dangers.
2021 study identifies 694 non-occupational asbestos related deaths 1979-2011