Now, despite its known cancer-causing properties, asbestos is still mined, sold and used internationally. In Minnesota, asbestos is hot news as a consequence of two high-profile situations currently raising public awareness. EPA's intensive nationwide search for former plants that processed the needle-like mineral from the W. R. Grace, Inc., mine in Libby, Montana, hit pay dirt in Minnesota. Western Mineral Products is the first of hundreds of dispersed locations of vermiculite where EPA confirmed on-site contamination. If the air is clear, it must be clean .
Many people believe that air pollution affects big cities more than rural areas.
Scientists have discovered various toxic substances in the air even in smaller regional centers around the state. Toxic chemicals include acrolein, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and chromium. While many people think that poor air quality is a problem in metropolitan areas only, computer modeling and monitoring suggests that some of these chemicals exceed health benchmarks in communities such as Alexandria, Mankato, Willmar, Grand Rapids and Fergus Falls. Motor vehicles are a major source of pollutants. For more information, go to the MPCA Air Toxics page.