In a northwest corner of Montana, in the rural community of Libby, the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) has emerged as a national center of excellence in addressing healthcare issues associated with Libby amphibole asbestos. The CARD is a not-for-profit clinic governed by a volunteer community board that developed the vision of Caring Pathways to Treatment. The CARD is devoted to healthcare, outreach, and research to benefit all people impacted by exposure to Libby amphibole asbestos.
Libby amphibole asbestos has been recognized to be very unique as it is both chemically and structurally different from chrysotile, the commercial asbestos most common around the country. Asbestos related diseases associated with Libby amphibole asbestos have presented in a way that does not fit the typical pattern associated with commercial asbestos exposure, also known as chrysotile asbestos. The key features include a higher incidence of diseases predominately involving the pleural surface of the chest cavity (lining surrounding the lungs). Furthermore, there’s an appearance of a higher toxicity of fibers based on the lower level exposures which have lead to significant lung disease.
This has been observed clinically as well as recognized through ongoing research activities conducted at The University of Cincinnati on workers exposed to Libby vermiculite in Ohio. Another observation over time has taught us a pleural plaque (scarring on the lung lining) can not be assumed to be a benign problem. Because of the increased frequency of health impacts, prolonged latency, and uncertain prognosis, ongoing specialty care and research is essential.
source: libbyasbestos
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