April 2nd, 2007

In 2003 a study took place where seventeen people that worked in the iron mining industry in Minnesota between 1930 and 1982 were found to have contracted the asbestos related cancer known as mesothelioma. And now authorities report that another thirty five cases have come to light, taking the figure up to fifty-two.

The Minnesota Heath Department has confirmed that it will now be carrying out further studies into potential health concerns, including a study that is focussed on the health of those that worked in the mining industry in the area.

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

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that id directly linked to asbestos exposure, and can affect the heart, lung, or abdominal region. The cancer can take several decades to develop from the time of exposure, and at present there is no cure for this disease.