Asbestos Exposure Sites in Montana
Montana has 3 documented asbestos exposure sites spanning 3 industries. Workers at these facilities were exposed to asbestos-containing materials — often in shipyards, power plants, refineries, and manufacturing plants — and may be eligible for compensation through trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Asbestos Exposure in Montana
Montana is home to the most devastating asbestos contamination disaster in American history — the town of Libby, where W.R. Grace operated a vermiculite mine contaminated with tremolite asbestos from the 1920s through 1990. Hundreds of Libby residents have died from asbestos-related diseases, and thousands more have been diagnosed with lung abnormalities. The asbestos-contaminated vermiculite, marketed as Zonolite insulation, was shipped to processing facilities and construction sites across the nation. Libby was declared a Superfund site and, in 2009, the first-ever public health emergency under CERCLA. Beyond Libby, Montana's mining heritage created additional asbestos exposure. The Anaconda Copper Mining Company operated the massive smelter complex in Anaconda and the Berkeley Pit mine in Butte, both of which used asbestos insulation. Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls contained asbestos materials in its buildings and missile silos. Power plants operated by Montana Power Company and Northwestern Energy used asbestos insulation. The petroleum refining industry, including the Cenex refinery in Laurel and the former Conoco refinery in Billings, also contributed to worker exposure. Montana's three-year statute of limitations from discovery applies to mesothelioma claims, and the state's courts have extensive experience with asbestos litigation due to the Libby disaster.
Major industries linked to asbestos exposure in Montana: Vermiculite mining, Copper mining and smelting, Military installations, Power generation, Petroleum refining.
Notable exposure sites: W.R. Grace Vermiculite Mine, Libby; Anaconda Copper Smelter, Anaconda; Berkeley Pit, Butte; Malmstrom Air Force Base, Great Falls; Cenex Refinery, Laurel.
Frequently Asked Questions: Asbestos Exposure in Montana
What is Montana's statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims?
Montana has a three-year statute of limitations from the date of diagnosis or discovery for personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims also have a three-year filing period from the date of death.
What happened in Libby, Montana?
Libby is the site of the worst asbestos contamination disaster in U.S. history. W.R. Grace operated a vermiculite mine contaminated with tremolite asbestos for decades, killing hundreds of residents and sickening thousands. It was declared a Superfund site and public health emergency.
Was Zonolite insulation contaminated with asbestos?
Yes. Zonolite, a vermiculite insulation product made from ore mined near Libby, was contaminated with tremolite asbestos. It was widely used in homes and buildings across the country. Anyone who disturbed or installed Zonolite may have been exposed to asbestos.
Are Libby residents eligible for special compensation?
Libby residents may be eligible for compensation through lawsuits against W.R. Grace (which established a trust fund through bankruptcy), the EPA cleanup program, and medical screening and treatment programs specifically created for the Libby community.