The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines vermiculite as “ a naturally-occurring mineral composed of shiny flakes, resembling mica. When heated to a high temperature, flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8-30 times their original size.” Vermiculite is fire-resistant, odorless, and very light-weight. It has been commonly used for in-home insulation and is loose and easily moved.
Contaminated
A mineral mine near Libby, Montana produced almost three-quarters of all vermiculite that was sold in the United States from 1919 to 1990. The brand name of that vermiculite was Zonolite. An asbestos deposit was located in the mine, so the vermiculite that was taken from the Libby, Montana mine was contaminated with asbestos.
Nebraska Processing Site
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has listed a processing site in Omaha, Nebraska as a priority site. The ATSDR states that “it should be noted that this priority list is not a list of ‘most toxic substances,’ but rather a prioritization of substances based on a combination of their frequency, toxicity, and potential for human exposure at NPL sites.” The priority site list is updated every two years.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
The DHHS explains that the following things occur when asbestos is released into the environment:
- The dangerous fibers do not dissolve into water or evaporate into the air.
- Small asbestos fibers can remain in the air for a long period.
- Large fibers settle faster.
- Asbestos fibers in the soil stay put. They do not move and are not broken down.
The DHHS further explains the perils and mechanisms of asbestos exposure:
- You can inhale low levels of asbestos fibers.
- If you work in a factory that uses asbestos products, you can inhale large levels.
- If you live near an asbestos waste site you can inhale particles.
- You can ingest asbestos fibers if you drink water that has traveled through asbestos-containing pipes.
Then the DHHS states:
- Long-term exposure to high levels of airborne asbestos particles makes adverse health effects more likely.
- Asbestos exposure usually manifests in the lungs.
- Asbestos frequently causes asbestosis–a lung scarring illness.
Cancer facts according to the DHHS:
- It can take decades for cancer to appear.
- Smokers have a greater risk of asbestos inhalation-caused lung disease.
- Low asbestos level exposure can still cause cancer.
- Ingesting asbestos fibers might cause GI cancer issues.
Omaha Area Asbestos Exposure Sites:
- Carpenter Paper
- City Wide Heating
- Frontier Oil
- Geneva Lumber
- Natkin Service – Omaha
- Nebraska Power
- Siebler Heating Company
- Union Pacific
- Vaughn Insulation
- Western Electric
What Should You Do if Exposed?
Exposure to asbestos particles does not cause instant health troubles. As stated previously, it can take years for symptoms to manifest themselves, so be aware of the following symptoms:
- Breath shortness
- Dry cough
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Crackling lung sounds
If any of the above occur, seek medical help. Then, you need to contact a qualified Omaha Mesothelioma Attorney like the Throneberry Law Group. The Throneberry Law Group provides aggressive and compassionate support and representation for asbestos cancer victims. Call an experienced Throneberry Law Group attorney today at (888) 506-1131, or visit them online for 24/7 assistance.
