Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Dynamic Light Scattering Analysis for the Determination of the Particle Size of Iron-Carbohydrate Complexes
Published on: July 7, 2023
Pleural abnormalities and exposure to elongate mineral particles in Minnesota iron ore (taconite) workers
David Perlman1, Jeffrey H Mandel2, Nnaemeka Odo3
1Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Background:
Iron ore (taconite) mining and processing are an important industry in northern Minnesota and western Michigan. Concerns around exposures have centered largely on exposure to non-asbestiform amphibole elongate mineral particles (EMPs) found in the eastern portion of the Minnesota iron range.
Methods:
A cross sectional survey was undertaken of current and former taconite workers and spouses along with a detailed exposure assessment. Participants provided an occupational history and had a chest radiograph performed.
Results:
A total of 1188 workers participated. Potential exposures to non-amphibole EMPs were evident across multiple jobs in all active mines. Pleural abnormalities were found in 16.8% of workers. There was an association of pleural abnormalities with cumulative EMP exposure that was not specific to the eastern portion of the range.
Conclusion:
There was evidence of a mild to moderate increase in pleural abnormalities in this population of miners, associated with geographically non-specific cumulative EMP exposure.
Related Concept Videos
Transcription Elongation Factors
The transcription elongation is regulated via pausing of RNA polymerase on several occasions during transcription. In bacteria, these halts are necessary because the transcription of DNA into mRNA is coupled to the translation of that mRNA...
Transcription Elongation Factors
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
Abnormal Proliferation
Minerals
Major...

