Public Meeting Tonight to Discuss Asbestos Issues at Ash Grove Cement

As asbestos testing wraps up at the Ash Grove Cement Company just outside of Helena, Montana, the community of Montana City has become concerned that asbestos could pose a health risk to the whole community.

Residents are concerned about the possibility of one day developing asbestos cancer as a result of exposure.

To address any possible public health and safety risks, a public meeting will be held to discuss the medical and environmental impact of the asbestos found at the Ash Grove Cement Co.

Both the Department of Public Health and Human Services, and the Department of Environmental Quality are hosting the meeting. The meeting will include state and local officials, as well as representatives from the Ash Grove Cement Co., and the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration.

The meeting is open to the public, and Ash Grove employees are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be held Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30 pm, in the Montana City School gymnasium.

A few weeks ago, a tremolite sample taken from the Ash Grove Cement Company quarry outside of Helena, Montana, was confirmed to contain asbestos.

The testing was completed by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.

The asbestos has been found in isolated areas of the limestone quarry owned by the company.

The Ash Grove plant has been closed since March 16, when the tremolite was first identified. Workers have been sent home, and were paid in full for a short period of time following the closure. Workers will not be allowed to return to work until all testing is complete.

In one of its naturally occurring forms, tremolite is a form of asbestos that can cause damage to the lungs if inhaled. Inhaled asbestos fibers pierce the walls of the lungs and cannot be removed. Asbestos inhalation has been linked to conditions such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Tremolite is associated with vermiculite, one of the forms of asbestos found in Libby, Montana. Asbestos contamination and subsequent health issues in the community is the central issue of the ongoing W.R. Grace Company federal trial.