MISSOULA – A new federal study concludes that breathing the air in Libby is not likely to increase the risk of cancer.
More than 200 people in Libby died in past decades from illnesses caused by inhaling asbestos fibers from mining in the area.
The federal government has accused the Maryland-based W.R. Grace and Co. and five company officials with endangering Libby by mining asbestos-laced ore there. A criminal trial on the matter is ongoing in Missoula.
Mike Cirian is manager for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Libby. He says that the recent study looked at air quality from 2006 through 2008. He says it concluded that breathing the air around Libby is unlikely to raise the risk of cancer for area residents.