Study in Vermont Causes Upset in Residents
Earlier we wrote about the results of a study that was released showing a higher correlation between contracting asbestosis and living within a ten mile radius of a closed asbestos mine in northern Vermont. Asbestosis is a disease in the lining of the lung caused primarily from exposure to asbestos. The study looked at causes of death of residents living in the area of the Eden-Belvedere Mountain mines and determined they had a much higher rate of contracting asbestosis.
Residents are arguing that the study is flawed. Residents, especially in Lowell and Eden, have been expressing their anger of the report and how the results were communicated. They are especially upset over the drop in their property values since the release of the report.
The Senate Economic Development Committee is considering a resolution that would point out the shortcomings of the study, but residents say the damage is already done and can’t be reversed.
Many have questioned the statistics used to arrive at the findings of the study, pointing out that two of the five deaths that led to the conclusion were from men who were mine workers and exposure could have been caused occupationally. Health Commissioner Dr. Wendy Davis holds by her original statement that living in the towns near the closed mine puts one at a greater risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
