Vermont Asbestos Warning
The state of Vermont is warning people to stay away from an abandoned asbestos mine in Eden and Lowell because of the health threat posed by asbestos.
Scientists studied health records and death certificates from towns within 10 miles of the mine. They say they found a statistically significant increase in cases of lung cancer and asbestosis. (Why are they surprised by this?)
The study found the odds of dying from asbestosis are more than 12 times as high among people living close to the mine compared to people living further away. The lung cancer risk is also higher.
Health Commissioner Wendy Davis says people should stay away.