An Evaluation of Potential Occupational Exposure to Asbestiform Amphiboles near a Former Vermiculite Mine

Amphibole asbestos (AA) has been detected on the surface of tree bark in forests neighboring an abandoned vermiculite mine near Libby, Montana. In the present study, simulations were performed to assess potential AA exposure associated with United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (FS) occupational activities. Bark samples were collected prior, and personal breathing zone (PBZ) and Tyvek clothing wipe samples were collected during and immediately after trials that simulated FS activities. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses revealed AA bark concentrations up to 15 million structures per square centimeter (s/cm2). AA was detected in 25% of the PBZ TEM samples. AA was detected on wipe samples collected from all activities evaluated. This research demonstrates the potential for airborne exposure and transport of AA in the Kootenai National Forest. These findings are especially relevant to those that work in the area and to the general public who may conduct recreational activities.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Commercial Portable Air Purifier in Homes with Wood Burning Stoves: A Preliminary Study

Wood burning for residential heating is prevalent in the Rocky Mountain regions of the United States. Studies have shown that wood stoves can be a significant source of PM2.5 within homes. In this study, the effectiveness of an electrostatic filter portable air purifier was evaluated (1) in a home where a wood stove was the sole heat source and (2) in a home where a wood stove was used as a supplemental heat source. Particle count concentrations in six particle sizes and particle mass concentrations in two particle sizes weremeasured for ten 12-hour purifier on and ten purifier off trials in each home. Particle count concentrations were reduced by 61–85 percent. Similar reductions were observed in particle mass concentrations. These findings, although limited to one season, suggest that a portable air purifier may effectively reduce indoor particulate matter concentrations associated with wood combustion during home heating.

The Amplifier - Introductory Issue no. 1

This issue is an introduction to the Montana School of Mines student newspaper called The Amplifier.

The Amplifier - Introductory Issue no. 2

This issue is an introduction to the Montana School of Mines student newspaper called The Amplifier.

The Amplifier - v. 2, no. 8(b)

In this issue...Engineer's Valentine, Butte Chamber of Commerce, Jaycee Club, Main Hall, Wilmington Oil Field, Hecla Mining Company, Petroleum Engineers, Finlen Hotel

The Amplifier - v. 2, no. 8(a)

In this issue...Poison Pen letter, Mr. Cliff Laity, school carnival, Butte Mineral and Gem Club, Central Typing Office, Butte, Montana, coffee shop, Petroleum Building

The Amplifier - v. 4, no. 1

In this issue...coffee shops, intramural sports, International club, Copper Guards, Nobel Prize, Egypt, Mineral Club, Anderson-Carlisle, Petroleum Department

The Amplifier - v. 4, no. 2

in this issue...Gem State Jamboree, Mineral Club, Pan American Company, Ed Simonich, Sigma Rho, Student Council, Alumni Association, basketball

The Amplifier - v. 4, no. 3

In this issue...Geology, Sidney L. Groff, Mineral Collection, cheerleaders, Ski Club, Library, Newman Club, Ed Simonich, Butte Jaycees, Youth Center

The Amplifier - v. 4, no. 4

In this issue...Dean D. C. McAuliffe, Chelation, Copper Guards, March of Dimes, Ski Club, Coach Simonich, Sigma Rho, Anderson-Carlisle Society, Mineral Club

The Amplifier - v. 4, no. 5

In This issue...International Club, Main Hall, Intramural Basketball, Dr. Koch, student activity fee, Christmas, Gymnasium pool, Miners Hockey, Roger Dokken

The Amplifier - v. 4, no. 6

In this issue...Washoe Theatre, Fran Reich Orchestra, Mining Symposium, Neil Douglas, Anderson-Carlisle Society, Hockey, Convocation, Coed Club

The Amplifier - v. 4, no. 7

In this issue...Ski Club, Moshe Sheinkin, Dale E. Pickney, Coach Forest 'Frosty' Cox, Air Force, Masquerade Ball, Silver Bow Creek, Butte, Montana

The Amplifier - v. 4, no. 8

In this issue...Mines Hockey, Ed Simonich, Faculty Wives Club, convocation, Mineral Research Center, Drama Club, Memoir 36, Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology

The Amplifier - v. 4, no. 9

In this issue...Dej Tewtong, Civil Service Commision, Chess Club, Russian Submarines, Mine Rescue Training, Washoe Theatre, Anaconda, Montana