The Montana asbestos contamination
Starting in 1919 and ending in 1990, vermiculite was mined just north of the town Libby. Vermiculite contains a naturally occurring asbestos mixture, which is toxic to humans. Cases such as lung disease, lung cancer, and lung spots have been reported. This has been referred to as "the worst case of industrial poisoning of a whole community in American history" by the United States Government. It is approximated that at least 200 people from the town have died from asbestos exposure, and more than 1000 are ill. New cases are also being diagnosed at a rate of about one per week.
An Asbestos factory in Libby in the 1950s.
Picture Source: http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/jc54.2012/murrayHome/3.html
Dust rising out of a mine in Libby, Montana.
Picture Source: http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/jc54.2012/murrayHome/3.html