Minnesota Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks

Asbestos exposure in Minnesota occurs in two major ways: through exposure on the job or as the result of exposure due to naturally occurring asbestos in the soil. Minnesota has the additional problem of having naturally occurring asbestos located within the state.

Of the 677 asbestos-related deaths that occurred between 1980 and 2000, 65 percent of them were due to mesothelioma. Typically, asbestosis is the more common asbestos related disease. In addition, since 1999, incidences of mesothelioma have increased 70 percent in the northeastern portion of the state. Asbestos particles have also been found in the drinking water.

The increased exposure coincides with the reopening of the Reserve Mining Corporations iron mines in that part of the state. Once the connection was made, studies showed that taconite, a mineral common in the mines, is contaminated with asbestos in this area.

At Risk Occupations and Locations in Minnesota

In addition to the miners employed by Reserve Mining, asbestos exposure probably occurred at area power plants, such as Hoot Lake and Monticello Nuclear Power Plant, as well as petroleum plants such as Koch and Marathon.

The reason for the exposure risk for employees of power plants and petroleum plants is due to the extensive use of asbestos containing materials in any sort of material made to withstand extreme heat prior to 1978.

Because of the fireproofing abilities of asbestos fibers, most protective gear and insulation used in these plants contained asbestos. As the materials became worn or damaged, they released asbestos fibers into the air where they could be inhaled or ingested.

Asbestos exposure on the job should be a concern for anyone employed by the power or petroleum industry prior to the early 1980s. If asbestos exposure is a concern for you, making an appointment with a physician for regular screenings may help relieve concerns or aid in early diagnosis. Early diagnosis offers the best prognosis against mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Jobsites with Known Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos Related Deaths in Minnesota

Asbestos exposure caused 440 deaths due to mesothelioma and 237 deaths due to asbestosis between 1980 and 2000. Because there is a long period between exposure to asbestos and development of either disease an increase in incidence of asbestos related illness is expected in the future.

The problems at the Reserve Mining Corporation were not found until the summer of 2007. By that time 52 miners had died of mesothelioma. Because of this new exposure risk, it is expected that asbestos related diseases will increase in the northeastern portion of the state over the next several decades.

Asbestos exposure is also a concern to the many spouses and children of those who worked in the iron mines. Unlike some types of exposure, those working in mines were likely to bring home asbestos dust on their clothing and shoes. Given the minuscule amount of asbestos required to cause health problems, many family members have had successful lawsuits against companies for indirect exposure to asbestos. These cases can prove complicated, but they have been successfully tried.

Legal Resources for Minnesota State Residents

Asbestos-related illnesses can lead to large medical bills. Because of the gap in time between exposure and illness, asbestos-related diseases often strike after retirement when the patient can least afford expensive and extensive medical care. Often filing a lawsuit is the only way that the patient or their family is able to pay medical bills or afford necessary care.

It is expected that cases involving exposure by Reserve Mining Corporation will begin to appear. There were a a variety of incidences where communication break downs or plain negligence slowed the assessment of the problem in the mines. An initial report stated that 17 miners had died of mesothelioma. Given how rare the disease is, this should have been a red flag. It was not until an additional 35 deaths were reported that researchers began to investigate the taconite in the mines.

Whether you believe that you have suffered asbestos exposure through a more traditional occupation or through the mining practices at Reserve Mining Corporation, if you believe you were exposed to asbestos, you may wish to visit your doctor for frequent health assessments. If an asbestos-related disease is diagnosed, you may wish to choose an experienced attorney to help guide you through the lawsuit process.

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