U.S. SENATE – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester’s National Asbestos Awareness Week resolution as a part of their continued effort to shine light on the dangers of asbestos exposure.
“We must continue to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and help promote the health and well-being of Montanans across our great state,” Daines said.
“Asbestos has a long, troubling history in Montana, and too many families continue to suffer from exposure to this toxic substance,” Tester said. “It’s past time we outlaw the use of asbestos, but as we continue cleanup efforts in places like Lincoln County, it’s critical that we arm folks with the most up to date information possible so that we keep people safe, and make asbestos exposure a thing of the past.”
Since W.R. Grace closed its Libby vermiculite mine in 1990, more than 200 residents have died and thousands more are still suffering from asbestos-related diseases. Clean-up efforts began in 2002 when Libby, Troy, and surrounding communities were placed on the EPA’s Superfund National Priorities List. It can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years to develop symptoms of asbestos-related diseases, which continue to kill thousands of Americans each year.
The full text of Daines and Tester’s resolution is available HERE.
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Contact: Rachel Dumke, Katie Schoettler