Yard Work and Gardening Activities

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What To Do If You Are Working In Your Yard and Come

: or Asbestos

Revised: January 2014

1	Across Soil That Contains Vermiculite or Asbestos

Vermiculite In Libby & Troy

For several decades, vermiculite was
commonly used in and around homes in
Lincoln County for a variety of
applications, including as a soil additive,
construction aggregate, and attic
insulation. If vermiculite is present, it
might contain Libby Amphibole
asbestos (LA).

Exposure to LA could lead to serious
diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and
mesothelioma. It will take several more years
for EPA to complete the cleanup, and property
owners might encounter vermiculite during
that time or even after EPA has finished its
work. It is not possible for EPA to remove (or
to even know about) all the vermiculite in the
area.

It is possible that you might unexpectedly find
vermiculite after starting your yard work or
gardening activities. If you do, EPA strongly
cautions you not to disturb it further and cause
LA to become airborne.

Precautionary Steps To Take
While Working In Your Yard

The Do's:

1. Do water often. A healthy lawn reduces
dust and contact with bare soil.

2	Do mow your lawn or roto-till your garden
when it's damp—not when it's dry or
dusty.

3	Do rinse off any rental equipment within
your work area before returning the
equipment.

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4.	Do rinse off gardening tools outside within
your work area after every use.

5.	Do wipe your feet and/or take your shoes
off at the door and leave them outside, if
possible.

6.	Do wash your hands outdoors after any
yard work, if possible.

7.	Do call the Lincoln County Asbestos
Resource Program (ARP) at no cost to

you if you see ANY vermiculite on your
property, even if you are unsure. While
waiting for ARP to arrive, take precautions
to not disturb the area.

The Don'ts:

1.	Don't disturb areas where you can see
vermiculite. If it's a place you intend to
work in, cover the vermiculite and call
ERS.

2.	Don't dig, cultivate, mow, rake or roto-till
your yard or garden when it's dry or dusty.

3.	Don't bring dusty or dirty things indoors.


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The photo on the immediate
right is an example of raw
vermiculite in soils. When
heated, vermiculite exfoliates
(or pops), forming a
lightweight material ideal for
packing, insulation, and as a
soil additive as shown in the
far right photo.

Cautions regarding Libby Amphibole:

•	LA should be avoided or handled with extreme care.

•	Exposure to Libby Amphibole asbestos has resulted in disease in workers and non-
workers who have had contact with contaminated materials. Take care not to bring any
contaminated clothing or material back to your home or business.

•	Treat any asbestos containing material as regulated material and comply with all state
and local regulations.

There is no known threshold risk level for asbestos-containing materials, and any
exposure will increase the risk of asbestos-related disease. The health risk from exposure
to all asbestos depends greatly on the amount of asbestos in the material you are
disturbing and how long the exposure lasts. If you take the basic precautions outlined in
this fact sheet, your project will be completed with minimal exposure to LA.

Who Can I Contact With Questions About Asbestos?

EPA Information Center - 108 E. 9th Street; Libby, MT 59923 - (406) 293-6194
Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program (ARP) - (406) 291-5335
Montana Department of Environmental Quality -
Asbestos Control Program (406) 444-5300

Please learn about the risks of asbestos exposure and basic precautions by reviewing the fact sheets
available at the Information Centers or the website listed below:

•	II EPA Vacuum Cleaner Program - Revised January 2014

•	Lincoln County Do-It-Yourselfers - Revised January 2014

•	Contractors & Tradesmen Working Indoors - Revised January 2014

•	Contractors & Tradesmen Working Outdoors - Revised January 2014

•	Libby & Troy Residents: Vermiculite or Asbestos In or Around Your Home or Business -
Revised January 2014

•	Demolition Activities - Revised January 2014

Explore the EPA website and its links at: www2.epa.gov/region8/libby-asbestos


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