Two studies were recently done to analyze the health impacts of mesothelioma across Northeastern Minnesota.
The Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that contains long fibers, which can be harmful when individuals are exposed to it over an extended period of time.
Although asbestos was often used in products in the past, the EPA made asbestos illegal after people began becoming sick and dying from mesothelioma.
These days, asbestos can typically be found in older homes, tiling, piping and insulation.
Studies Focus on Mines
According to reports, an estimated 58 miners have been diagnosed in the last decade with the illness that is caused by exposure to asbestos.
However, researchers haven’t been able to positively conclude if the disease is solely related to asbestos or the taconite and asbestos combination that miners may be exposed to at facilities such as Silver Bay.
Both studies plan to pursue a larger study of taconite workers and mesothelioma across the Iron Range to explore the causes and effects of this life-threatening illness further.
Cleveland-Cliffs Study
The Cleveland-Cliffs Study focuses on past and current workers from the Silver Bay taconite facility.
This particular study focuses on the numbers of mesothelioma cases that occurred when the Babbitt Mine first began operating in 1952.
Spokesman for the company, Dana Byrne, claims that they are doing more research in order to provide more information to the residents living in the surrounding areas and the state as a whole.
