A trial is set to begin against BNSF Railway, owned by Warren Buffett, over allegations it contributed to asbestos-related deaths in Libby, Montana, by failing to manage contaminated dust.
Amy Beth Hanson and Matthew Brown report for the Associated Press.
In short:
- The lawsuit claims BNSF Railway failed to contain asbestos-contaminated dust in Libby, Montana, leading to widespread exposure and deaths.
- Victims Thomas Wells and Joyce Walder's estates filed the suit, highlighting the railway's role in spreading asbestos through the transportation of vermiculite.
- BNSF denies the claims, arguing the victims were not exposed to asbestos above federal limits and their conditions were not caused by BNSF.
Why this matters:
Trains, particularly older models, can be a significant source of asbestos dust, a material once widely used in construction and manufacturing due to its fire-resistant properties. In trains, asbestos was commonly found in brake pads, clutches, insulation around boilers, gaskets, and various other components. When these materials wear down or are disturbed during maintenance and repair activities, asbestos fibers can be released into the air as dust.
Flashback to 2018: The Trump Administration would rather assure the chemical industry that its products are safe from scrutiny, rather than certify they are safe for humans.
