Governor's Statement on ATSDR Report to the Libby Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2001
Contact: Mike Foster
Communications Officer
406/444-5523

Governor Judy Martz issues the following statement on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) report titled Year 2000 Medical Testing of Individuals Potentially Exposed to Asbestoform Minerals Associated with Vermiculite in Libby, Montana: A Report to the Community.

The final health test results for Libby are in and, while consistent with the preliminary data, remain greatly upsetting and confirm the seriousness of this issue. These numbers are a profound reminder of the human health tribulations that many past and present residents face. I look forward to Christie Todd Whitman's visit next month so we can address these issues. We will look at the full detailed report and respond accordingly.

I thank the people of Libby for working with me as we move together toward a positive solution. We will continue to work hard to obtain the assistance Libby needs.

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