Minnesota Health Commissioner's Job in Jeopardy After Miners' Mesothelioma Data Kept Quiet

By Alison Gonzalez

Published on June 20, 2007

A study from 2003 indicated 17 taconite miners died of mesothelioma from commercial asbestos exposure on the range. Three years later, researchers discovered 35 more taconite miners died of the rare form of cancer, a dangerous spike in the death rate.

The health department waited one year to release the findings to the public and an estimated 4,000 miners. It was released when the health department announced two new studies would be conducted on the cause of the deadly cancer.

Mandernach defended her decision, saying the delay was necessary to plan more cancer studies. Adding that she has always been committed to finding answers for miners and their families, she said a scientific basis and protocol needed to be established first so the findings would be accepted by the community and regulatory agencies.

Still, others are asking why it took so long to design the studies.

Sen. David Tomassoni and Rep. Tom Rukavina said Mandernach should step down because she has lost the public's trust.

However, Gov. Tim Pawlenty is standing by Mandernach. His spokesman said she made a mistake that does not warrant her dismissal.

Lawmakers and union workers have sought an investigation into the delay.

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