Recent data presented at the 2010 Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium in Thoracic Oncology demonstrates that people exposed to the mineral erionite found in the gravel of road materials in North Dakota may be at increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a type of incurable cancer affecting the lining of the lung or abdomen that is most often associated with asbestos exposure.
The study that was conducted sought to examine the potential health risks for those exposed to erionite by comparing air samples, tissue samples and other data from North Dakota with those found in affected parts of Turkey where erionite exposure has been associated with an increased incidence of mesothelioma. According to the lead author of the study, Michele Carbone, MD, PhD, because of the long latency period we may not yet appreciate an increase in mesothelioma incidence in North Dakota, but there is cause for concern for the future.
Dr. Carbone noted that exposure levels measured along roads, indoors, and inside vehicles traveling along contaminated roads are equal or greater than those levels found in a Turkish village where malignant mesothelioma accounts for more than 6% of all deaths.
Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is part of a group of minerals called zeolites. Erionite is often found in volcanic ash that has been altered by weathering and ground water. Erionite forms brittle, wool-like fibrous masses inside of rock formations. Some properties of erionite are similar to asbestos but it is not currently regulated by the US EPA as one of the six asbestos fibers.
Erionite is a human carcinogen and has been listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 1 Carcinogen. Erionite fibers, just like asbestos, when breathed can become lodged in the linings of lung and abdomen and can cause cancer.
Erionite deposits can be found in several parts of the United States, including California, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, North Dakota and South Dakota. In North Dakota, erionite was mined and used as gravel on many rural roads.
Dr. Carbone states that precautionary measures should be taken undertaken to reduce exposure to erionite. Already, the state of North Dakota has limited Erionite’s use for state funded projects and has released advisories warning of the danger. Roads containing erionite are planned to be paved over.
This entry was posted on Saturday, January 29th, 2011 at 6:42 am and is filed under Mesothelioma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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