If true, this bit of news could be a boon to personal injury lawyers. Scientist at the University of Minnesota began collecting data to try and determine why Iron Range miners die from mesothelioma at a higher rate than others.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, and malignant cells develop in the protective lining, called mesothelium, of internal organs. It is commonly seen in the outer linings of the lungs but may also appear in other organs. Asbestos is also blamed for many other lung diseases.

The university’s School of Public Health plans include examining the work, health and death of 68,000 miners, both living and deceased, including 1200 current and retired workers and their spouses.

To obtain mining companies work history records, the university struck a confidentialy agreement and the data will be used to dearh for correlations between exposure to dust, such as tachonite, and the range of health problems. They’ve also begun sampling minerals for analysis.

Asbestos exposure in not only limited to mines. Countless numbers of individuals in school settings are also exposed.

Jackie Chiles is the fictional character in the NBC sitcom Seinfeld. The character, played by Phil Morris, is a parody of Johnnie Cochran. The character is the personal injury lawyer used by Kramer on his lawsuits. In real life, personal injury lawyers specializes in cases wheren injury or death of a person was caused by someone else.