Asbestos in Montana

Montana's history, particularly the Libby vermiculite mine, resulted in significant asbestos contamination. Historical records detail the widespread use of vermiculite contaminated with asbestos. Documented sites include:

  • The Libby vermiculite mine and the town of Libby itself.
Montana Asbestos Exposure

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Montana

Explore 154 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Montana.

Job SiteCityState
ACandSBillingsMT
ACandSButteMT
ACandSMissoulaMT
Alcotane (A/K/A Holly Sugar Company)HardinMT
Amalgamated SugarWhitehallMT
Amalgamated SugarMissoulaMT
American Crystal SugarMissoulaMT
American Smelting & RefiningEast HelenaMT
AnacondaButteMT
AnacondaBlack EagleMT
AnacondaColumbia FallsMT
AnacondaConkelleyMT
Anaconda-ButteGreat FallsMT
Anaconda Central High SchoolAnacondaMT
Anaconda CopperAnacondaMT
Anaconda Forest ProductsBonnerMT
Anaconda Smelter StackAnacondaMT
Archie Bray FoundationHelenaMT
AsarcoEast HelenaMT
Billings City HallBillingsMT
Billings LaundryBillingsMT
Billings Mutual HeatingBillingsMT
Billings SugarBillingsMT
Billings UtilityBillingsMT
Boston & Montana Reduction DepartmentBlack EagleMT
Brick & Builders SupplyKalispellMT
Broeder LumberCrestonMT
Burlington Northern & Santa Fe RailroadLivingstonMT
Canex Oil RefineryLaurelMT
Carter OilBillingsMT
Cascades PlywoodPolsonMT
C. & C. PlywoodKalispellMT
CenexLaurelMT
Champion Paper & FiberLibbyMT
Clausen RefrigerationMissoulaMT
Columbus HospitalGreat FallsMT
ConocoPhillipsBillingsMT
Consolidated Copper & Silver MiningGreat FallsMT
Consolidated Copper & Silver MiningButteMT
Consolidated Copper & Silver MiningBlack EagleMT
Continental OilBillingsMT
Copper & Silver MiningBlack EagleMT
Copper & Silver MiningGreat FallsMT
Cyprus Industrial MineralsThree ForksMT
Deluxe LoungeGreat FallsMT
Diehl LumberPlainsMT
Dupuis LumberPolsonMT
East Butte Copper MiningButteMT
Employment Security BuildingHelenaMT
Evans ProductsMissoulaMT

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Montana

  • Miners and Mill Workers: Workers at the Libby vermiculite mine and associated processing facilities faced the highest risk of asbestos exposure (Example: W.R. Grace mine and processing plant in Libby).
  • Construction Workers: Asbestos was used in various building materials in older structures throughout Montana (Example: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings constructed before the 1980s).
  • Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was used for insulation and fireproofing in power plants across the state (Example: Colstrip Power Plant).
Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Montana

Montana Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Montana has enacted laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.

Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

The DEQ oversees asbestos abatement activities, including:

Montana Department of Labor & Industry

The Department of Labor & Industry enforces workplace safety regulations related to asbestos exposure, including:

Key Laws and Regulations:

Sources

  1. Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - Asbestos:https://deq.mt.gov/cleanupandrec/Programs/asbestos
  2. Montana Department of Labor & Industry - Occupational Safety and Health: https://erd.dli.mt.gov/safety-health/
  3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Libby Asbestos: https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.Healthenv&id=0801744

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Montana?

If you or a loved one is sick or passed away due to asbestos, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Montana law protects victims of asbestos exposure. We can assist you in understanding your legal options.