U of M seeks more participants in Iron Range health study

Researchers at the University of Minnesota are about to begin a public relations push to get more Iron Range residents to participate in a study of the connection between taconite mining and cancer.

Dr. Jeffrey Mandel and his team are trying to find out why so many Iron Rangers are dying from mesothelioma, which is more commonly associated with exposure to commercial asbestos.

He's sent about 300 letters to a cross-section of current and former Iron Range taconite workers asking them to give a medical and occupational history, and submit to a few simple medical tests.

So far, about 100 people have been screened or are on the schedule. Mandel wants more, so in a couple of weeks he's planning announcements in local newspapers and to work with community leaders.