Taconite Miners Face Mesothelioma Side Effects

Similar to asbestos, extracting magnetite that can be turned iron, and then steel, requires removing fibrous material from the taconite. Minnesota researchers say that 82 people involved in extraction of the material in Minnesota have died as a result of exposure, with mesothelioma diagnoses three times higher than the general population. Still, doctors say the risk is relatively low.

The good news is that problems similar to asbestos exposure are generally restricted to people who actually worked in taconite mines. However, that is largely because of actions in the 1970s. Prior to a judge’s decisions, the tailings, or non-iron materials, were dumped into Lake Superior. They are now dumped onto land near the mine to minimize Taconite side effects.

Still, it is another sign that people can develop mesothelioma from material ingestion beyond asbestos exposure. Another mined mineral, erionite, has also been linked to the painful lung cancer. The good news is that this may force more protections for mine workers who are exposed to these materials, but they are not the only ones who can be affected by exposure.

For example, remediation efforts of older buildings built with asbestos materials have been performed by untrained workers in several towns in recent months. In addition, massive weather events like Hurricane Sandy can damage buildings and leave people exposed to asbestos. While mesothelioma lawsuit attorneys note that it normally takes a long period of exposure in order for the lung cancer to develop, many people may be unaware that these materials are even part of their environment.

It can take decades for symptoms of mesothelioma to develop, but people who have difficulty breathing and need hospital care for cancer do have a legal remedy against the organization that exposed them to taconite or asbestos. A free consultation with a mesothelioma lawsuit attorney is available at the Mesothelioma Asbestos Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Fill out the short form there to learn more about your potential case and whether or not filing a claim makes sense.

Billions of dollars have been set aside by mining companies, manufacturers and companies to payout asbestos lawsuit settlements, but only qualified legal representation can ensure that your case has the best chance for success.