Which specific mine was infamous for producing vermiculite contaminated with naturally occurring asbestos?
Answer
Libby, Montana.
The Libby, Montana mine stands out historically as the most notorious source of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite used extensively, particularly in North America. This contamination occurred because the vermiculite deposits at this specific location were naturally intermixed with fibrous asbestos minerals during the mining and processing stages. Because material from Libby was widely distributed, especially for use in loose-fill attic insulation across the continent, products sourced from this mine carry the most significant historical potential for asbestos contamination, necessitating careful assessment of older installations.
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