Ethics and Environmental Health

Chemical-Specific Health Consultation: Tremolite Asbestos and Other Related Types of Asbestos (September 2001)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is addressing public health concerns regarding a fibrous amphibole that occurs in vermiculite ore in the Libby, Montana, area. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has prepared this chemical-specific health consultation to provide support for public health decisions regarding individuals exposed to fibrous amphibole from Libby vermiculite or other related asbestos-containing materials.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Division of Toxicology, U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services

Public Health Statements: Asbestos (August 1995)
This public health statement tells you about asbestos and the effects of exposure.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

ToxFAQS: Asbestos (September 2001)
This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about asbestos.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

Asbestos (Actinolite, Amosite, Anthophyllite, Chrysotile, Crocidolite, Tremolite), (Group 1) (6 February 1998)
Summaries & Evaluations of the carcinogenicity (cancer causing ability) of various asbestos forms.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

Environmental Health Criteria 53: Asbestos and Other Natural Mineral Fibres (1986)
The International Programme On Chemical Safety (IPCS), generated a report summarizing the identity and chemical properties of different types of asbestos, sources of occupational and environmental exposure, and other concerns. This report was published under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation, and the World Health Organization.
The International Programme On Chemical Safety (IPCS)

Environmental Health Criteria 203: Chrysotile Asbestos (1998)
The International Programme On Chemical Safety (IPCS) generated an updated report specifically addressing the chrysotile form of asbestos.
The International Programme On Chemical Safety (IPCS)

11.28: Vermiculite Processing (PDF Format) (November 1995)
This report from the EPA describes the normal procedures for processing vermiculite.
US EPA

Fact Sheet: Asbestos-Contaminated Vermiculite (PDF Format) (August 2000)
A very clear fact sheet about the extent and nature of the risks involved in exposure to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite.
US EPA

Libby Asbestos Response, EPA Region 8
Internet materials related to EPA's investigation and clean up of the Libby Asbestos site in NW Montana.
US EPA

Memorandum Re: Background Information for Proposed AP - 42 Section 11.28: Vermiculite Processing (PDF Format) (6 April 1993)
This memorandum presents the background information that was used to develop the proposed AP-42 Section 11.28 on vermiculite processing. A description of the industry is presented first. A process description followed by a discussion of emissions and controls is then presented. Following these sections, a description of the references that were used to develop the draft section and the results of the data analysis are presented.
US EPA