Mesothelioma

In addition, the Minnesota Department of Health presented its proposals for two new studies to better answer questions of whether mineral fragments and asbestos-like fibers in taconite dust are to blame for the otherwise rare fatal cancer, or if occupational asbestos exposure is strictly to blame.

The joint committee was chaired by Rep.

Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, and Rep.

Karen Clark, DFL-Minneapolis.

The first proposed study would evaluate exposure to taconite dust and asbestos in the 52 cases.

The study would also use a control, comparing mine workers with the disease to mine workers without the disease.

The study requires $750,000 or more per year, according to Mary Manning from the Department of Health, who said the department is applying for federal funding, and feels they have a “compelling” case.

The second study would use existing information provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to assess risks from taconite dust.

The study would consider data on the effect of different minerals on...

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