Asbestos and Mesothelioma News 35 More Miners Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News
35 More Miners Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
35 More Miners Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

Mesothelioma has been diagnosed in 35 more miners on the Iron Range, according to the Minnesota Health Department, who said it plans to launch two more studies to examine health concerns.

The first study plans to focus on the mine workers’ health, while the other would seek to determine the impact of the airborne mineral fragments and dust particles that are created during ore mining and processing.

History

The relationship between mining and respirator disease has been the cause for much concern in Minnesota for a long time. In northeastern Minnesota, there has historically been a high rate of mesothelioma among males. There were 136 cases of mesothelioma reported between 1988 and 2005 in just the northeastern part of the state. There may have been many more, since mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed.

In a 2003 study conducted by the state, 17 miners diagnosed with mesothelioma were identified.

More recent analysis found 35 more miners with mesothelioma, bringing the total number up to 52. State officials said this doesn’t surprise them because mesothelioma can take 40 to 50 years after asbestos exposure to develop.

“The mesothelioma issue has been with us for a long time,” said Dianne Mandernach, Health Commissioner. “There are important, unresolved questions that we need to address, and we believe this new study will help us provide some of the answers.”

The Studies

The first study is projected to cost up to $1 million over three years, but the state says it will seek federal funding from sources such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It plans to examine the health of those who have worked at the mines over the years.

The second study is estimated to cost about $250,000 and will aim to assess the health threats posed by the asbestos and ore fragments and dust in the air around the region.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 at 12:00 am.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News
35 More Miners Diagnosed with Mesothelioma