Iron Range Legislators want Health Commissioner Diane Mandernach fired
An investigative report in the Minneapolis Star Tribune has revealed that the Minnesota Health Commissioner learned in March 2006 that at least another 35 Iron Range miners had died of mesothelioma (a cancer associated with asbestos exposure). This is more than double the 17 miners originally identified as having died of mesothelioma in a 2003 report.
On Wednesday of this week, Minnesota Health Department officials said they had found an additional six cases (bringing the total number of miners affected to 58).
Legislators want Health Commissioner Diane Mandernach (man-dur-NAHK') fired. Commissioner Mandernach apologized on Wednesday for her department’s failure to release the cancer data. However, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is rebuffing calls for her removal.
On Thursday of this week, state Rep. Tom Rukavina, received strong support for announcing the University of Minnesota would spearhead a study of mesothelioma deaths among Iron Range workers. Rukavina said the public no longer trusts the Minnesota Health Department to do the work.
related articles:
Timberjay News: Legislators want Health Commissioner fired
StarTribune: Iron Rangers sound off at Mandernach
KARE: Health commissioner grilled by lawmakers
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