In an editorial appearing in its April 16, 2007 edition, the Salt Lake Tribune criticized the Utah Department of Health for “dropping the ball”by failing to notify the public about the asbestos hazards–including the risk of developing the asbestos cancer mesothelioma and other diseases caused by asbestos to former workers at vermiculite ore processing plants in downtown Salt Lake City. The facilities, which closed in the 1980s, processed asbestos-laden vermiculite ore mined in Libby, Montana. According to the editorial, the health department undertook a federally-funded study to determine if a cancer cluster existed around the plants, which included a fruitless search for former employees. However, the health department never notified the media, which could have made the information public and in turn, help identify former workers of the plants.
To read the full editorial, go to www.sltrib.com
