The Lingering Legacy of Asbestos Mines
In Part III of "Chrysotile, Arizona," we continue our exploration of the haunting legacy left behind by asbestos mills and mines. Asbestos, once hailed as a miracle material, has proven to be a silent killer, causing devastating diseases like cancer and respiratory issues.
In this episode, we take a closer look at "Asbestos Point," where the dangerous white chrysotile, ironically dubbed "angel wings," still lingers, visibly contaminating the environment. Living near active asbestos mines puts individuals at a higher risk of asbestos-related illnesses, making the danger an ongoing concern.
Even in the present day, the risks of asbestos exposure persist. We delve into the recent efforts to clean up an old asbestos mill in Tonto National Forest, where 38 tons of asbestos-containing materials required removal. It's a stark reminder that the impact of asbestos mining and milling in Arizona is far from being a thing of the past.
The episode recounts the historical struggle with asbestos mining corporations' denial and cover-up of the harmful effects of asbestos exposure. We focus on the case of the Metate Asbestos Corporation and the opposition it faced when its asbestos mill was set to be dismantled. This pivotal case was the first to establish that asbestos could be the basis for a Superfund site, signifying an area's high risk of harm to human health.
We examine the Jaquays Mining Corporation, which mined chrysotile asbestos and persisted in denying the dangers of asbestos exposure until the mid-1970s. Despite medical evidence pointing to the hazards, they continued to put their employees and the surrounding community at risk.
The video also highlights the aftermath of the mill's closure, where over 300 individuals in the nearby town of Miami were tested for lung damage due to asbestos-related illnesses. Today, the area is listed as a ghost town, with a few mining buildings as somber reminders of the once-thriving asbestos industry.
Join us as we dive into the dark history of Chrysotile, Arizona, exploring the environmental and health consequences of asbestos mining and the ongoing efforts to mitigate its impact. Learn about the Superfund site designation, the cleanup efforts, and the present status of this haunting location.
Watch "CHRYSOTILE, ARIZONA (PART III)" to gain a deeper understanding of the dangers that persist in communities touched by asbestos and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding human health and the environment.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of "Asbestos Artifacts," as we continue to shed light on historical and present-day issues surrounding this hazardous mineral.
