Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

At issue is the widespread distribution of asbestos waste by W.R. Grace Co. and its predecessor, Western Mineral Products, who processed vermiculite ore from Montana into home insulation. The factory gave asbestos-laced waste to homeowners for landfill in driveways and gardens. Kids played with it, using it for sandboxes, baseball fields and other uses, not knowing it was hazardous. Asbestos exposure can lead to malignant mesothelioma years after the exposure, according to mesothelioma attorneys familiar with the disease. The EPA has already removed contaminated soil and now will test the air and dust in 30 to 50 homes in the neighborhood as an added precaution. Homes will be tested the last two weeks of September at no cost to owners by running one small device for about 12 hours that vacuums air and collects microscopic particles to see whether contamination exists. Results will take about four months.