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A study by the University of Minnesota's School of Public Healthconfirmed a 300% higher rate of mesothelioma in the Iron Rangeregion where taconite is produced than in the state's generalpopulation. According to the Duluth News Tribune, the latest study updateincludes a 20% higher rate of lung cancer and an 11% higher rate ofheart disease than in the rest of the state. Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer with no cure, is attributednormally to asbestos exposure. Researchers curiously said last weekthey have yet to reach a definitive link to the controversialtaconite iron ore industry. The USD 5 million study was funded by the state legislature in2008, hoping to provide more insight into the occupational hazardsthat come from an industry that has been a part of the Iron Rangeregion since the 1950s. The industry, in the Northeast section of Minnesota, employsapproximately 3,000 workers. Low grade iron ore mining can produce fibers that are shorter butsimilar to the asbestos fibers that cause mesothelioma wheninadvertently inhaled. In recent years, there have been 82 confirmed deaths in the IronRange region attributed to mesothelioma but many more from otherrespiratory illnesses. Researchers have focused on the 46,000people born since 1920 who have worked in the production oftaconite. There has been considerably speculation that the mesothelioma stemsfrom the process of turning the iron ore into taconite pellets. Researchers in the study, though, have left open the possibilitythat the mesothelioma could be attributed to previous jobs in theship building industry, or from US Navy ships laden with asbestos,or even from handling asbestos insulation while working in thetaconite plants. Lead researcher Mr Jeff Mandel told the Duluth News Tribune that"That's one of the possibilities. It could be that we don'tsee any relationship to the workplace." The field work in the study has been completed and researchers noware compiling the data. A final analysis is not expected to bereleased until 2013. The original study request included five parts: A cause of death mortality study of deceased taconite workers An environmental study of air quality that looked at asbestoslevels in taconite plants and area cities A respiratory health study of taconite workers still living A lung cancer incidence study to compare rates to other parts ofthe state An occupational exposures assessment to determine exactly where thefibers were found Source - Duluth News Tribune. We are high quality suppliers, our products such as Flexible Wiring Duct , Stainless Steel Cable Ties Manufacturer for oversee buyer. To know more, please visits Wiring Duct.
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