February 10th, 2008

A defunct asbestos mine in Vermont is causing problems for surrounding wetlands. As high levels of asbestos are found around waterways, the concern for public safety is growing.

Asbestos has been invading wetlands in Vermont, causing acres of pristine land to become a health hazard. The asbestos is running off from a defunct mine on Belvidere Mountain, at the edge of hundreds of acres of marsh and wetlands; the asbestos has already affected or destroyed eight separate sites. While the environmental repercussions have been felt for a few years, the aspect of public safety has just started to be explored as more of the dangerous substance washes into neighborhoods.

When asbestos is introduced to the public, it can become a health concern quickly. Asbestos can break apart into airborne particles, which can be inhaled and asbestos in waterways can be ingested. Introducing asbestos particles into the human body can lead to many illnesses including mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos particles are breathed into the lungs, getting caught in the tissue there and keeping the lungs from absorbing oxygen. The resulting cancer, mesothelioma, can take years to manifest and is often times untreatable at the time of diagnosis.