Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Three years ago, several officers of the company were indicted on charges relating to mining practices by Grace. Improper disposal has caused numerous residents of Libby to become afflicted with mesothelioma, a deadly disease the mesothelioma attorneys have found is caused by asbestos exposure. Dr. Alan Whitehouse, a pulmonologist studying asbestos disease treatment there, wrote the report along with Dr. Brad Black of the Center for Asbestos Related Diseases, and four other physicians. The doctors fear the epidemic of environmental mesothelioma will not peak for another decade or more. Dr. Whitehouse said this public health problem of considerable magnitude shows the need for early detection and treatment of asbestos cancer such as mesothelioma. Thirty-one Libby residents to date have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. In some cases those who became ill were not connected with the Grace mine or mine workers. It is believe that vermiculate mining was responsible for the asbestos dust that covered the town and contributed to the disease in non-mine workers. Grace executives if convicted could face 15 years in prison and additional heavy fines. The company has already agreed to refund $250 million to the federal government for clean-up costs in Libby.