Ash Grove Cement Co. is telling employees at its Montana City operation, near Helena, that an asbestos investigation is under way and they should await word before returning to work.
Ash Grove says that what appears to be tremolite, a type of asbestos, has been identified in one section of the company’s Montana City limestone quarry. The company is having an analysis performed.
Inhaled tremolite particles may be hazardous to human health, depending on how much is inhaled.
Manufacturing operations at Ash Grove’s Montana City kiln and quarry have been shut down for routine maintenance since Jan. 31. The Kansas-based company says the shutdown is an ordinary part of the maintenance, which occurs annually.