Vermont health officials have announced a new investigation into the health risks associated with living near an abandoned asbestos mine.
An increased risk of asbestosis and lung cancer in those living within 10 miles of the Belvidere Mountain mine was found by a report by the state health department. While area residents were concerned about community safety and property values, new data suggests that the risk of asbestos exposure may have been overstated.
Research done by a community group believes that the elevated incidence of asbestos-related deaths in the area are connected to occupational exposure to asbestos and not general exposure to the mineral, even though every exposure to airborne asbestos fibers increases the risk of mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
State officials have stated that area residents may have had some asbestos exposure in the past, but the current risk of exposure is unknown. Residents have been warned to stay away from the mine and its 30 million tons of asbestos-contaminated debris.
The fact is,there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. Even brief exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to deadly asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma cancer.
The new study is welcome, of course, but to say that the mine poses no health hazard is disingenious, at best.
Tags: Asbestos, asbestos exposure, ling cancer, Lung Cancer, mesothelioma cancer