The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "raw materials" ...
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China in Africa: Young Workers, Deadly Mines
Reporters found a Chinese-directed mining industry in Congo that exploited teenagers to risk their lives mining ore. China promised the Congo government a $9 billion loan for access to the mines, but the payment never arrived.
Tags: lung disease; dust; false medical report; raw materials; Peru; Zimbabwe; mining inspection;
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Toxic material lingers at depot
Streater's Star-Telegram article explains the contamination of soil in the surrounding areas of the Forth Worth Federal Center. The Center used to be an old Army supply depot, and stored, for over sixty years, lead, magneses ore, and additional raw materials. After looking over 5000 pages of Federal, state, and city records, the Star-Telegram uncovers a few hidden facts. The soil of a nearby preschool and playground are both contaminated. Environmental consultants warned that humans should not be in contact with contaminated areas. There is speculation of drums of buried chemical waste, including Agent Orange (circa Vietnam) somewhere in the area.
Tags: Fort Worth Federal Center; North Greenbriar; contaminated soil
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Zonolite
This two-part series focused on a product called Zonolite. For decades it was used as an attic insulation in millions of homes across the United States. Internal documents from the company that mines the raw material, and government agencies found that the product contains tremolite asbestos, one of the most deadly forms of asbestos. It is related to numerous deaths and illness of the lungs from inhalation of the dust particles of the product. More than 70,000 homes statewide in Michigan (including Detroit) have the product in their attics. Many former employees of the company are at risk of lung ailments without their knowledge of the product's hazard. The series discovered that the EPA was trying to internally assess exactly what to tell the public who may come in contact with the product about how to handle Zonolite. It also included information about how to check the attic of a home to see if there is Zonolite, as well as precautions to be taken.
Tags: TAPE; Zonolite; EPA; Environmental Protection Agency; W.R. Grace; vermiculite; tremolite asbestos; asbestos; inhalation; dust particles Superfund cleanup sit; lung; homeowners; construction; contractor; plumber; attic; mine; toxicity; environmental damage; strip mining; dust; environmental medicine; carcinogen; Libby; mineral