Apr. 14, 2004, the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers was established in Michigan in response to statewide illnesses tied to vermiculite mined in Libby and other asbestos-contaminated ores mined in Michigan.

Karmanos and the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine affiliated with Wayne State University established the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers.