Watch CBS News

Findings Mixed In Iron Range Lung Cancer Study

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. (AP) — University of Minnesota researchers say taconite workers face an increased risk of a rare form of lung cancer, and it's higher the longer they're on the job. But they can't say for certain if dust from the state's iron mining and processing operations causes it.

The researchers traveled to the Iron Range of northeastern Minnesota Friday to announce the findings of their $5 million, five-year study into possible links between taconite dust and mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung lining that has killed 82 taconite workers over the years.

They say they found a "potential link" between exposure to taconite dust and mesothelioma, but the link isn't certain, so they can't say with certainty that dust causes it. They say a miner's risk of developing it remains very small.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.