Social Security Changes Aid Montana Asbestos Victims

May 25 , 2006 - After several months of rallying for change, the Social Security Administration has issued a ruling that will make victims of Libby, Montana asbestos poisoning eligible to apply for disability benefits.  These individuals were exposed to the deadly mineral through employment at the W.R. Grace vermiculite mine located in the town.  In addition, some of the sickened are family members of the former employees or members of the community-at-large. 

The change was made with assistance from Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) who was concerned when he heard of a technicality that was keeping sick Libby residents from collecting disability payments.  Originally, Social Security guidelines stated that only those suffering from exposure to chrysotile asbestos — a more common and less deadly form of asbestos poisoning — could qualify for disability benefits.  Libby workers were exposed to the tremolite form of asbestos, which exhibits different symptoms and effects and is much more dangerous than the chrysotile variety.

According to an article in the Kalispell, Montana Daily Inter Lake, Social Security Deputy Commissioner Martin Gerry said the new ruling “explains how tremolite asbestos is similar and dissimilar to chrysotile”, and he expects it to be a “blueprint to reach the right decision” in issuing disability benefits.

To date, 1,500 current and former residents of Libby have been treated at the local clinic, which provides medical assistance to those with asbestos disease. Approximately 300 to 500 new cases of asbestos-related diseases are diagnosed each year in Libby and more than 200 Libby residents have already died from exposure.