In an upcoming issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers from the University of Montana will publish an article looking into the residents of Libby, Montana and how miners there who helped bring up vermiculate which was contaminated with asbestos have twice the risk of developing lupus and three times the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis if they were over the age of 65. This suggests that it is long term exposure which increases the risk of developing these diseases as miners under 65 had no difference than the general population did.

In a related research investigation done by the Institute of Medicine in Washington, D.C. there was evidence that asbestos causes an increased risk of developing laryngeal cancer. All in all, more bad news about this dangerous and toxic mineral.