Union leaders and legislators representing Minnesota’s Iron Range called for the resignation of the Minnesota Health Commissioner Wednesday, after learning that she had delayed–for at least a year–informing the public about the discovery of 35 more cases of mesothelioma among Iron Range mine workers. The Health Department had discovered in March 2006 another 35 cases of mesothelioma–double the number previously identified–among Iron Range miners. However, news of the 35 cases did not come to light until March 2007. The agency also reported another six mesothelioma cases on Tuesday, bringing the total number of affected miners to 58. The Minnesota governor defended the commissioner, and his communications director said the commissioner should not be terminated for making a mistake.
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