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Sent by e-mail and air mail
For the attention of; Joann Byrd, Editor
editpage@seattle-pi.com
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
P.O. Box 1909 Seattle, WA 98111-1909
Dear Ms. Byrd:
For months, we have been following the reports by Andrew Schneider and
Carol Smith on the dangers of using asbestos contaminated vermiculite.
After reading their two stories on Wednesday, 23 August 2000, we realize
that the time has come for us to speak up.
As an international association of vermiculite mining companies, processors,
and users, we are deeply chagrined by the alarmist tone and selective
facts contained within these last two articles. Evidently, the objective
journalistic practice of presenting both sides of an issue is not a priority
with these two reporters, or with your editors. The science of determining
risk from airborne dusts is complex and difficult to standardize; it certainly
cannot be explained with sweeping generalizations or over simplifications.
This week's U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's report on asbestos
levels in horticultural vermiculite products concluded that there was
little or no risk to consumers from asbestos. Independent analysis and
continued monitoring at vermiculite mining operations have confirmed this
fact for years. In spite of the conclusions reached by EPA, Mr. Schneider
chose instead to write about a "draft report" that asserts "extremely
high risk" for occupational users of vermiculite. Would it not be prudent
and logical to wait until the regulatory agency's final report is issued
instead of reporting preliminary findings that were rejected by the agency?
The situation in Libby, Montana, that has been the focus of Mr. Schneider's
reports is troubling and should be investigated. However, Mr. Schneider
and his readers need to understand that the pervasive existence of asbestos
at the Libby vermiculite mine is geologically unique compared with other
vermiculite deposits in America. Vermiculite mining operations around
the world have gone to extraordinary lengths for years to avoid potential
asbestos contamination in vermiculite ore. As a result, vermiculite is
safe to mine and safe for consumers.
As responsible corporate citizens working to bring quality, affordable
and safe products to market, we ask that your paper attempt some journalistic
responsibility by showing some genuine interest in the pursuit of truth.
Rather than just quoting the emotional knee-jerk and ill informed responses
from amorphous "consumer advocacy groups," your reporters also need to
speak with some qualified experts about the chemistry, geology and testing
methodology that is at the core of respirable fiber risk assessment. Only
then will they better understand the complexities of this issue.
The industry and the Environmental Protection Agency have found that
the risks to consumers from using products containing today's vermiculite
are so low as to be undeterminable. We are all in greater danger of being
involved in an automobile accident or being struck by lightning than suffering
any adverse effects from working with vermiculite products. In other words,
we are talking about a benign substance - and our members intend to keep
it that way.
We encourage and welcome the efforts of the Occupational Safety Health
Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to see that
strict standards to maintain people's safety and health are maintained
and enforced. We also encourage the National Academy of Sciences to work
with our industry and the federal agencies in perfecting uniform methods
for detecting and quantifying asbestos fibers to ensure people's safety.
The Vermiculite Association
Whitegate Acre
Metheringham Fen
Lincoln
LN4 3AL
UK
Tel: +44 1526 323990
Fax: +44 1526 323181
E-mail: tva@vermiculite.org
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