Indoor Science Market Share Analysis for February 2026

When we think of asbestos we often think of building materials – floor tile, pipe insulation, black flooring mastic/glue, and popcorn ceilings. When it comes to abatement, teams remove or repair the broken materials along with isolating or encapsulating the area to prevent disturbance. But, what happens when an entire town becomes contaminated with asbestos? This blog will discuss the asbestos contamination of Libby, Montana resulting from vermiculite mining and efforts taken to protect the residents. Vermiculite and Libby Amphiboles Vermiculite is a sheet-like silicate mineral that is coveted for its insulating and thermal resistant properties but after decades of production vermiculite ore was discovered to contain 26% amphibole asbestos. While all forms of asbestos are hazardous, amphiboles have been shown to be more harmful than chrysotile. This due to the needle-like shape of amphiboles vs the curvy pattern of chrysotile which allows to it adhere to the lungs easier. According to the EPA, vermiculite was discovered in Libby, MT by gold miners in 1881. The mine was first operated by the Zonolite Company starting in the 1920s with the operations transitioning to W.R. Grace in the 1960’s and production continued until the 1990’s. The mine is thought to have […]