Occupational exposures and the development of lung disease in Minnesota miners

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine occupational exposures within the taconite mining industry in northeastern Minnesota and the development of lung disease. This research was conducted as part of the Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study, an epidemiologic study looking at the potential health effects from work in the taconite industry. There are three areas of research within this dissertation: 1) A nested case-control study that examines the association between duration of taconite employment, exposure to elongate mineral particles (EMPs), and the development of mesothelioma; 2) An examination of whether exposure to EMPs of different sizes leads to differences in mesothelioma risk; 3) A cross-sectional study of current and former taconite miners that examines the association between duration of taconite employment, exposure to EMPs, and the development of parenchymal and pleural lung abnormalities as evidenced by chest radiography.