High Lung Disease Rate Among Iron Rangers

(AP)  A rare form of lung disease has affected a disproportionate number of folks who live on Minnesota's Iron Range. 

The MN Dept of Health says 82 Iron Rangers have died from Mesothelioma, up from 63 last year.

The report comes from a University of Minnesota team leading the long-term Taconite Workers health Study.

Dr. Jeffry Mandel says the mesothelioma rate appears to be considerable higher than it should be, but further study is required.

Mesothelioma is a rare lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, and is almost always fatal.