May 17th, 2006

A study is to be carried out into the health effects of neighborhood asbestos exposure using current and past residents from Minneapolis who live or lived near to piles of contaminated rocks. Although the dangerous and even deadly side effects of heavy or prolonged exposure to asbestos are know, researchers aim to use the study to find out more about the effects on more limited exposure to the substance.

A Department of Health investigator stated that there was evidence that living near to sites where asbestos was present could cause a range of health problems, such as lung problems. Nearly 700 people who live or once lived in the area have come forward to admit having once played by or in the rock, which was at the WR Grace plant.

A further 820 people were identified as having at some point lived within a block of the plant during its years of operation. Elevated levels of asbestos fibers were identified in this area by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency prior to air pollution control equipment being fitted in the 1970s.

Around 400 to 600 current and former residents from the area will be screened as part of the study with a view to gauging the long term effects of low level asbestos exposure.