Asbestos Health
Statistics Review
In December 2000, ATSDR completed an
analysis of health outcome data for citizens
sis revealed that the rates of asbestos-related
diseases were significantly elevated. EPA later
identified that more than 300 sites in 42 states
received this contaminated ore. Because of
the elevated lung and breathing abnormality
rates found in Libby, ATSDR was concerned
about the health of other communities around
the U.S. that received the ore. In the spring of
2001, DHS designed a health statistics review
protocol to help interested state health depart-
ments analyze potential asbestos-related health
outcome data (e.g., mortality and morbidity) for
communities that may have received Libby ore.
Computed Tomography Scanner
ATSDR's overall goal was to provide a way
Computed tomography scans detected pleu-
to evaluate whether these facilities may have
ral abnormalities in 98 persons (28% of all
caused human exposure and adverse health
tested) whose chest x-rays had been classified
effects, using available health information from
as indeterminate. Most of these persons--69
state health departments. The protocol was
(70%)--were either former vermiculite mine
meant to serve as a screening tool for health
or mill workers or their household contacts. In
departments to determine if excess asbestos-
the group studied, participants who were in one
related cancer cases or deaths have occurred
or more of the following categories were more
around these sites. If so, it may prove to be evi-
likely to have an abnormality detected by com-
dence of past worker and/or community expo-
puted tomography scan:
sures to the ore; determination of the potential
for such exposures would then require further
W.R. Grace/Zonolite worker
public health investigation or intervention. This
secondary contractor worker
activity is still in progress; however, to date,
household member with W.R. Grace worker
almost 1 million death certificates and approx-
or secondary contractor
imately 325,000 cancer registry records have
age 65 or older
been analyzed by 15 participating state health
departments.
lived in Libby 35 years or more
a cigarette smoker
frequently "popped" vermiculite (that is,
heated the vermiculite so the crystals would
expand)
had vermiculite insulation in home.
chapter 3 45
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