A clinical evaluation and tissue fiber burden analysis of a lifetime resident of Libby, Montana with adenocarcinoma of the lung

Introduction Vermiculite mining operations near Libby, Montana were active from the 1920s to 1990. Rail facilities for shipment of the mined material as well as some vermiculite processing activities were ongoing within the community of Libby. A fibrous component within the mined material has been associated with asbestos-related diseases in vermiculite miners and in the local citizens of the community. Clinical history/methods We present a clinical case history and tissue fiber burden analysis of an individual with a multifocal adenocarcinoma of the lung who was a lifelong resident of Libby and whose history of exposure was as a member of the general population there. Results/discussion To our knowledge this is the first time tissue from a member of the general population of Libby, Montana has been evaluated and shown to contain an appreciable presence of "Libby amphibole" fibers.