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Taconite Mining – Link To Mesothelioma
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Taconite is a hard rock that contains both iron and silica. To process taconite the ore is ground into a fine powder, the iron separated from rock and then mixed with clay and limestone to make iron ore pellets that are then heated to high temperatures and melted down into steel.
For many years there has been much scepticism about whether taconite ore is linked to the onset of Mesothelioma. There is currently an ongoing study of approximately 1,200 minors and 800 spouses to discover if taconite fibres and dust can cause mesothelioma and to confirm if there is in fact a link between the two. Many who have had exposure to taconite would also have had exposure to asbestos contaminants. The study is expect to take between 3 to 5 years to complete but has come at great relief to many who have had no source confirmed for their illness.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung which has been associated almost exclusively with exposure to asbestos. Just one fibre is enough to cause the disease.
In Minnesota, minors have had a high rate of developing Mesothelioma, which has been at twice the expected rate. Many have already been diagnosed and have died from the disease. The study hopes to look at the current health of many active and retired workers in the area who will be required to take part in tests to evaluate their health condition. The study will hope to uncover the reason for the high death rate of minors in the Iron Range of Minnosota, as opposed to other areas.
The cause of Mesothelioma has always been believed to be through exposure to asbestos. This may be a turnaround in the understanding of why some workers who have worked with asbestos for years have never been diagnosed with Mesothelioma and why others who have had minimal exposure have been.
If you have been exposed to asbestos or taconite and have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma please contact one of our specialised solicitors to discuss if you have a claim for compensation on freephone: 0800 634 1632 or simply send us an email using our online enquiry form and we will call you back.
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Emma Costin
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10/11/2009
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