ATSDR Asbestos Work

What to know

ATSDR studies asbestos research, evaluates exposures at sites like natural deposits and buildings, and publishes reports. Evaluations cover various states and include vermiculite from Libby, Montana. Peer-reviewed journal publications are also available.

A warning sign Danger Asbestos on a fence at construction site where old house is demolishing

Overview

ATSDR has been involved in both general research on asbestos and in evaluating exposures to asbestos at specific sites. These sites include:

  • Natural deposits of asbestos or mining operations
  • Buildings or other processed asbestos products.

These reports are available to the public.

Notice‎

The reports listed here were based on information current at the time of publication. Many contain information that documents ATSDR's involvement in asbestos-related public health evaluations and is still valid. Some information presented in these reports, however, may not reflect the most current scientific consensus.

Natural deposits or mining operations

Borit – Four health consultations and one PHA for evaluations related to a site near former asbestos mining and processing operation

Swift Creek/Sumas – Evaluations of exposure to asbestos from natural landslide contaminating floodplains and sediments of Swift Creek and the Sumas River

Other asbestos products

Illinois Beach State Park – Evaluations of exposures to asbestos at park near former asbestos manufacturer

Johns Manville Site (December 2008) – Letter evaluating proposed remedial actions at former asbestos manufacturer

North Ridge Estates – Evaluations of asbestos exposure at neighborhood built on improperly demolished and buried old buildings

Hunting Point – Letters evaluating exposures and cleanup actions at an apartment complex where improper asbestos removals occurred during renovation

Vermiculite from Libby, Montana

Peer-reviewed journal publications

The following links lead to pubMed abstracts from 2005 to 2015.

The usefulness of computed tomography in detecting asbestos-related pleural abnormalities in people who had indeterminate chest radiographs: the Libby, MT, experience

Select mortality and cancer incidence among residents in various U.S. communities that received asbestos-contaminated vermiculite ore from Libby, Montana

Libby vermiculite exposure and risk of developing asbestos-related lung and pleural diseases

Exposure to asbestos-containing vermiculite ore and respiratory symptoms among individuals who were children while the mine was active in Libby, Montana

Vermiculite worker mortality: estimated effects of occupational exposure to Libby amphibole

Workers with Libby amphibole exposure: retrospective identification and progression of radiographic changes

Comparison of digital with film radiographs for the classification of pneumoconiotic pleural abnormalities

Associations between radiographic findings and spirometry in a community exposed to Libby amphibole

Association between cumulative fiber exposure and respiratory outcomes among Libby vermiculite workers

Impact of body mass index on the detection of radiographic localized pleural thickening

A review of the federal government's health activities in response to asbestos-contaminated ore found in Libby, Montana