Erionite is a mineral with microscopic fibers similar to asbestos. Health officials are concerned that, like asbestos, the erionite fibers can lodge in the body and cause diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma.

The story notes that the erionite has been used extensively as gravel in road construction throughout western North Dakota. About 50 volunteers are needed for a study, with health officials focusing on those exposed to erionite dust for 20 years or more. Good candidates for participation in the study are those who worked on road crews or gravel pits.

People participating in the study will receive chest x-rays and CT scans, which will then be sent to a research team at the University of Cincinnati, which is overseeing the testing.

Erionite is positively linked to mesothelioma in Turkey, althought the type of erionite found in North Dakota is slightly different from that found in Turkey, according to the news story. However, both have microscopic fibers similar in length and width to those found in asbestos.

Erionite has been under investigation as a concern in North Dakota since 2006, when testing began in Dunn County, particularly in the area of the Kildeer Mountains. The state Health Department requested the EPA test the fibers, and it determined at that time that erionite fibers were similar to asbestos fibers, which can be easily inhaled if they are disturbed and become airborne.

For more information, read the Erionite Fact Sheet provided by the state Department of Health and EPA, or visit the Erionite Information page on the Department’s web site.

SOURCE: myMeso › Officials in North Dakota studying asbestos-like mineral dust

Concern is linked to the fact that erionite mined in Turkey has been linked to mesothelioma. However, the AP story says, the erionite found in North Dakota is calcium based, while the erionite in Turkey is sodium based. It is not yet known if this makes a difference.

The story reports erionite contains fibers that can collect in the lungs of people who breathe it, and the EPA says erionite causes cancer in lab rats. The EPA is concerned because of the large volume of gravel containing erionite used in the Killdeer area, the article says.

An investigation is underway, and Killdeer’s mayor, Dan Dolechek, closed the ballpark as a precaution, and the county has voluntarily stopped using the gravel from the Killdeer Mountains until the study is completed, the article reports.

The study should be completed in about 18 months. Read the full article at FOXNews.com.

SOURCE: myMeso › North Dakota town investigates Meso risk