New studies from the Vermont Department of Health are saying people who live within a 10 mile radius of the old Belvedere Mountain Asbestos Mine in Eden and Lowell are at greater risk for being sick and deaths because of asbestos.  According to the study, people in the area are 12 times more likely to dies from asbestos than those living elsewhere around the state.

"I can remember seeing the wind carry the asbestos over here on the lawn, it looked like snow sometimes," said a long time resident of Eden, Vt., who chose to remain anonymous.  He remembers when the mine was open and there were no concerns of asbestos related health problems.

"The kids would be out here playing. We never thought anything about it," he recalled.

"We can't predict what any particular individual's risk is so were trying to put a common sense approach out there," Health Commissioner Wendy Davis said.

The area is also a popular spot for outdoor recreation. The Department of Health warns people to stay away from the mine entirely.

"I know there are warnings out to stay away from it, but it's kinda hard when you're living right here, ya know?" said an Eden, Vt., resident.

Now residents face the problem whther to stay or to go.  Some say they would like to move but can't afford to.  Others don't want to move simply because Eden is where they call home. And still others see no problem at all, like area resident Betty Jones.

"I think they're just absolutely crazy and have gone overboard.  I don't think anyone has anything to worry about, especially people who just live here," said Jones.

The Health Department says these reports are preliminary and they still need more details on the amount of exposure residents and victims have been subject to.