More details spelled out for study of Iron Range taconite mine workers

Jul 8, 2009

The University of Minnesota is reaching out to taconite mine workers of Minnesota’s Iron Range to participate in a study to learn why the rates of mesothelioma–a rare cancer related to asbestos exposure–is so high among the miners.

We recently reported that esearchers at the university will randomly select 1,200 current and former mine workers and 800 of their spouses to participate in the health screenings. See related story. Participants will receive a chest x-ray, physical and blood test, two lung capacity tests and a health questionnaire screening.

More details of the timing and procedure for the study have since been reported. Researchers will mail letters to workers in mid-July to seek participants. The screenings will begin in the fall at the Virginia Regional Medical Center, and results are anticipated by the latter part of 2010. Workers in the area are also being asked to spread the word and encourage participation in the screening.

In addition to the health screening, researchers will review over 20,000 taconite worker death certificates. There will also be a separate cancer screening effort.

The study seeks to determine whether exposure to taconite dust is causing the high rate of mesothelioma among the mine workers, with the goal to create protections for mine and plant workers from developing mesothelioma in the future. A previous study released by the state in 2003 had concluded that the high rates of mesothelioma were likely caused by asbestos from commercial sources–such as from boilers, furnaces, and pipes–used during mining operations, and not from the taconite ore. Critics of the earlier study say it failed to adequately consider the possibility of the taconite ore as a source of disease.

For the full story and more information about the study, go to the Duluth News Tribune.

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