Northland briefs: Four new cases of mesothelioma found among taconite workers

Four new cases of mesothelioma found among taconite workers

Four new cases of mesothelioma will be added to a University of Minnesota study determining if taconite mining on the Iron Range is linked to the rare cancer.

The new cases bring the total number of former miners diagnosed with mesothelioma to 63, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

The previous cases spurred the University of Minnesota study, which also is looking at a range of respiratory diseases and diseases associated with silica and asbestos exposure, the Health Department said.

Mesothelioma is a rare, fatal form of cancer almost always linked to asbestos exposure. It can take as long as 40 to 50 years to develop the disease after exposure.

Boy drowns in International Falls hotel pool

Officials say a 6-year-old boy drowned Friday evening at the Holiday Inn hotel in International Falls.

No further information was available Tuesday. Additional details are expected to be released today by the International Falls Police Department.

Tags: northland briefs, news, health