Related Topics ► Other TopicsMinnesota (MN) Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
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 that results in occupational exposure.
If this sounds confusing, consider how the Minnesota Department of Health felt when analyzing the data. Of the 677 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 north eastern 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 because of the extensive use of asbestos containing materials in any sort of material that must withstand extreme heat prior to 1978.
Because of the fireproof nature 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.
Asbestos exposure on the job should be a concern for anyone employed by the power or petroleum industry prior to the early 1980s. If you are one of these people, it makes sense to contact your physician for regular screenings. Early diagnosis still offers the best prognosis against mesothelioma and asbestosis.
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 north eastern 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
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace can open the door for a personal injury lawsuit. Each state has different requirements that the plaintiff must use to prove their case, as well as a particular amount of time that they have to file suit. In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case is six years, although that shortens to two if the injury is due to real estate. You will need an experienced asbestos attorney to determine how your case qualifies. The statute of limitations for wrongful death is three years after death.
Asbestos exposure can result in a huge amount of medical bills. Because of the gap in time between exposure and illness, asbestos related diseases often strike after retirement and 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 off 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, you should visit your doctor for frequent health assessments and, if you choose to enter into a lawsuit, choose an experienced personal injury attorney to help guide you through the lawsuit process.
State Index
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