In Libby, Montana asbestos has killed more than 200 people and the Environmental Protection Agency has now declared a health emergency. The declaration is the first of its kind in the United States.

The declaration will bring over 0 million to Libby, Montana in aid for asbestos cleanup and medical assistance. Roughly million of the aid will go towards local health care, to screen, diagnose, and treat illnesses like mesothelioma in and around Libby, Montana.

For years the disease and death rate from asbestosis and mesothelioma have been considerably higher than the national average in the Libby area. Dust and particles coming from the asbestos mine have contaminated the air but beyond that tailings from the facility have been used to fill driveways, gardens and even playgrounds.

“Literally no matter where these residents turned, they were being exposed yet again,” EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said. She said the declaration “should be a reminder of the serious consequences of mismanaging hazardous material.”

In May, W.R. Grace, the company responsible for the operation of the mine that has contaminated the area, and three of their executives were acquitted of criminal charges that stemmed  from the mismanagement of the mine.