The townspeople were exposed to asbestos through contaminated soil around town, where asbestos from vermiculite mining settled near homes, schools, athletic fields, and other public places and was tracked indoors. In 2002, the EPA placed Libby on its National Priority List, which led to testing and inspection of nearly 5,000 residential and commercial properties and cleanup operations; in 2009, the EPA declared a public health emergency, mobilizing funds for further home-to-home cleanup and health-care resources.

Key points

Asbestos was a contaminant of the vermiculite mined in Libby, Montana.
Contaminated soil was the major source of exposure: it was present near homes, schools, athletic fields, and other public places, and dust was brought indoors on shoes, pets, and workers' clothes.
In 2002 the EPA added Libby to its National Priority List, prompting testing and inspection of nearly 5,000 residential and commercial properties.
Cleanup operations were then conducted throughout the town.
In 2009 the EPA declared Libby a public health emergency, which freed up funds for more home-to-home cleanup and for health-care resources for people exposed to asbestos.

In the case study of Libby, Montana, what was the source of asbestos exposure for the townspeople, and what actions did the EPA take in response?

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