A case-control study of mesothelioma in Minnesota iron ore (taconite) miners

Christine S. Lambert, Bruce H. Alexander, Gurumurthy Ramachandran, Richard F. Maclehose, Heather H. Nelson, Andrew D. Ryan, Jeffrey H. Mandel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: An excess of mesothelioma has been observed in iron ore miners in Northeastern Minnesota. Mining and processing of taconite iron ore generate exposures that include elongate mineral particles (EMPs) of amphibole and non-amphibole origin. We conducted a nested case-control study of mesothelioma in a cohort of 68 737 iron ore miners (haematite and taconite ore miners) to evaluate the association between mesothelioma, employment and EMP exposures from taconite mining. Methods: Mesothelioma cases (N=80) were identified through the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System (MCSS) and death certificates. Four controls of similar age were selected for each case with 315 controls ultimately eligible for inclusion. Mesothelioma risk was evaluated by estimating rate ratios and 95% CIs with conditional logistic regression in relation to duration of taconite industry employment and cumulative EMP exposure [(EMP/cc)×years], defined by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 7400 method. Models were adjusted for employment in haematite mining and potential exposure to commercial asbestos products used in the industry. Results: All mesothelioma cases were male and 57 of the cases had work experience in the taconite industry. Mesothelioma was associated with the number of years employed in the taconite industry (RR=1.03, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.06) and cumulative EMP exposure (RR=1.10, 95% CI 0.97 to -1.24). No association was observed with employment in haematite mining. Conclusions: These results support an association between mesothelioma and employment duration and possibly EMP exposure in taconite mining and processing. The type of EMP was not determined. The potential role of commercial asbestos cannot be entirely ruled out.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)103-109
Number of pages7
JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine
Volume73
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2016
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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