December 11th, 2007

New reports released this week showed that a study into the Iron Range mine workers in Minnesota are at risk of a deadly asbestos-related cancer. The findings were withheld for almost a year before being released to the public.

When studies were being conducted into the health of Minnesota mineworkers back in 2006, no one questioned the testing or the findings. But when reports were released this week, the findings made people wonder why they had not been released earlier. It was found that 52 workers in the mines suffered, and died, from mesothelioma. The original number before the report was 17, a drastic difference and a concerning issue. The results indicate that mineworkers in the Iron Range are in danger of contracting the deadly cancer.

Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are breathed into the lungs, where they become stuck. The asbestos keeps the lungs from absorbing oxygen and the tissue dies. This type of cancer has been directly linked with asbestos exposure, and can take decades to manifest. Once diagnosed, most victims live for only a few months. The delay in releasing the test results is now being questioned and an investigation is pending.