The current clean-air precedent was set in 1974. Those against the proposal fear that lowering the precedent will expose more of the state’s residents to taconite fibers. Taconite fibers have a structure much like that of asbestos, and many fear that exposure to the fibers can lead to mesothelioma.
While there is no current health standard as to what is a safe level of exposure to taconite fibers, the current clean-air standard imposed upon Northshore requires it to keep the level of taconite fibers around the Silver Bay taconite plant equal to or lower than the level of taconite fibers in the air surrounding the taconite plant in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Until more research is done into the potential of taconite fibers to cause mesothelioma or related cancers, many scientists and medical professionals believe that the best plan is to avoid taconite fibers like one would avoid asbestos. Because fibers from both materials have a similar structure, it is highly likely that taconite fibers could become easily lodged in the lungs just as those of asbestos.
This lodging of fibers in the sac of the lungs can create tumors after a period of time. Sometimes, the cancer will not develop for as many as 50 years. This makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether or not taconite is dangerous.
Officials at the
As with those who have contracted mesothelioma later in life, taconite-caused mesothelioma could carry the potential to raise a number of lawsuits against individuals and corporations responsible for exposing individuals to the substance.
