State Prepares For Asbestos Screenings -- MesoLink.org -- 08-25-06

The state of Texas is preparing to begin health screenings for asbestos related problems after federal authorities revealed around a year ago that hundreds of workers that worked at the former Texas Vermiculite Plant in West Dallas could be suffering from asbestos related health problems. However, it could be difficult to actually trace the workers according to officials.

Brad Walsh, strategic planning projects director at Parkland Memorial Hospital, stated: "That may be a very difficult problem. We've kicked around some ideas, but I probably shouldn't speculate." No former workers have yet come forward following public meetings that were held in October.

The vermiculite site was owned by W.R. Grace & Co. The purpose of the meetings was to get those that thought they may be affected by any asbestos related health problem to seek advice and treatment.

It is not yet certain whether the names of the workers at the plant could be contained in a report that was given to the Environmental Protections Agency, and this is a matter that is currently being looked into by officials.