Studying Iron Range miners’ health

House approval was given to a bill that would help fund a mesothelioma study.

Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) sponsors HF3569 that would make a one-time $4.9 million appropriation from the Workers’ Compensation Special Compensation Fund for the University of Minnesota to lead a study of workers’ health, including lung health. It would include comparing the effects of different exposure levels, and a comparison of current and former miners on their health status versus how long they worked in the mines. Other family members may also be tested because they were exposed to dust from taconite operations. Rukavina hopes that 70,000 people would be studied.

Following the 88-45 vote April 10, the bill was sent to the Senate where Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm) is the sponsor. It awaits action by the full Senate.

A rare, fatal form of cancer, mesothelioma comes primarily from asbestos fiber, which is naturally occurring in some Iron Range areas. The Department of Health found that 58 Iron Range miners have died from mesothelioma, a disease that can take decades to develop following exposure.

The university will work on the study with the Health Department, Natural Resources Research Institute at the university’s Duluth campus and other private and public organizations and affected groups. Work must be completed by 2013.

While agreeing a study is needed, some members believe funding should come from another source.

Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings) unsuccessfully offered an amendment to have the money come from the Taconite Area Environmental Protection Fund, which is paid for by taconite production taxes collected from mining companies. Rep. Randy Demmer (R-Hayfield) said the fund is set up, in part, for “monitoring of mineral industry related health problems among mining employees.”

The workers comp fund, they argued, is paid for by all Minnesota businesses. Further, McNamara said it would cost $20 for every employee covered by the state’s worker’s compensation program. Plus, the governor opposes using this fund.

Supporters said the Workers Compensation Special Fund is the proper funding source.

What they learn on the range can help others across the state, said Rep. Tim Mahoney (DFL-St. Paul). “This is an appropriate place to fund this money because working people need answers.”

House Majority Leader Tony Sertich (DFL-Chisholm) said if the mines were contributing to the health issues, he would go after the companies to make them pay.