Social conflict and its sources in a slow-motion technological disaster: The Libby, Montana amphibole-asbestos disaster

Background: Widespread amphibole-asbestos exposure in Libby, Montana created what EPA called the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history (>290 deaths; hundreds with asbestos-related disease (ARD)). Like Love Canal, Libby represents “a different kind of disaster” (Levine, 1982). Significance: Evidence indicates that communities' immediate responses to rapid-onset natural disasters are consensus and altruism. Although little studied, slow-motion technological disasters (SMTDs) are characterized by uncertainty and conflict. Our previous research suggested conflict as a dominant response in Libby. Little is known about the dynamics/origins of conflict in SMTDs. Purpose: We investigated intra-community and family conflict and potential conflict origins and issues, including experience with ARD (ARD Diagnosis, Family Members with ARD, Non ARD). Our previous qualitative (focus group) research guided the survey design. Methods: We surveyed randomly-selected households (n=528) and ARD patients (n=68), in Libby. Measures assessed perceived community and family conflict and potential issues in conflict (e.g., ARD is “real/bogus,” disease severity; lawsuit/company attitudes). Results: ARD respondents perceived greater community conflict than Family and Non-ARD respondents; ARD and Family respondents perceived greater family conflict than Non-ARD respondents. Community and family conflict were significantly correlated for ARD respondents only. Issues at the center of conflict include: belief that ARD is bogus, perceived disease severity, lawsuit attitudes, asbestos information fatigue, attitudes toward company, and value of disaster news coverage. Conclusion: Findings suggest that issues in conflict are consistent with the rampant uncertainty surrounding numerous aspects of the disaster. The Libby experience may inform public health and disaster agency responses to communities experiencing SMTDs.