ERIONITE
What is erionite?
Erionite
is a naturally occurring, microscopic, fibrous mineral. It usually is found in
volcanic ash that has been altered by weathering and ground water. Erionite
forms brittle, wool-like fibrous masses in the hollows of rock formations. Its
color varies from white to clear, and it looks like transparent, glass-like
fibers. Some properties of erionite are similar to the properties of asbestos;
however, erionite is not currently regulated by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) as one of the six asbestos fibers.
Why is erionite a concern?
Like asbestos, erionite may pose health risks to those who breathe in the
fibers. It appears to be associated with increased risks of fibrogenic lung
disease, lung cancer and mesothelioma (a rare type of respiratory cancer usually
related to asbestos exposure). Although toxic effects were documented in a
study of three small villages in Turkey in the 1970s, there have been few
studies of erionite in the United States.
Why is erionite a concern in North Dakota?
Over the past few decades, gravel pits have been excavated in western North
Dakota where naturally occurring deposits of erionite are found. The gravel was
used to surface local county roads, parking lots and other areas. In 2006, the
North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) learned of the potential health
effects of erionite and its occurrence in North Dakota through discussions with
the University of North Dakota (UND) and the North Dakota Geological Survey
(NDGS). The NDDoH immediately began investigating the situation, in cooperation
with the NDGS.
The NDDoH recognizes the potential public health implications of erionite
exposure. However, it is important to note that the department has not observed
any health-related impacts from erionite exposure in North Dakota.
Where are the erionite deposits found in western North Dakota?
Gravel deposits that contain erionite are located in or near the Arikaree,
Brule and Chadron geologic formations, which correspond to the Chalky Buttes,
Little Badlands and Killdeer Mountain areas in Slope, Stark and Dunn counties.
These geologic formations are also present in other high buttes in western North
Dakota, but testing has not been done to see if erionite is present there, as
well.
What has been done to address the erionite concern?
Since 2006, testing has been done on samples from Dunn County, the area where
North Dakota's naturally occurring erionite first became a concern.
The state tested some of the rock faces of the Killdeer Mountains and nearby
gravel piles that had been excavated from areas suspected of containing erionite.
Laboratory tests showed that erionite fibers were present in many of the
samples. The state met with county commissioners in 2006 to bring the situation
to their attention and discuss sampling results. A public meeting also was held
to provide local residents with information about erionite in Dunn County. The
state asked EPA to conduct an investigation of the possible health effects of
erionite exposures in Dunn County.
In cooperation with the state, EPA took samples in October 2006 to determine
if the erionite in Dunn County is similar to the erionite that has been
associated with health effects in other parts of the world. EPA's preliminary
testing showed that the erionite fibers are similar and are of a size that can
be easily inhaled if they are disturbed and become airborne.
What is the next step?
The NDDoH, in cooperation with EPA, will be conducting further investigations to assess the health effects
of erionite exposure in North Dakota. In addition, the NDDoH is working with
counties and businesses to restrict further use of gravel containing erionite
and is exploring various dust control measures for effectiveness and cost.
Guidance plans also are being developed to help businesses and homeowners limit
erionite exposure.
How do people protect themselves from possible exposure to erionite?
The extent of the erionite exposure in western North Dakota is unknown, but
given the inherently toxic nature of the material, reducing exposure is
recommended. Where found, erionite should not be disturbed. Mining should be prohibited in specific areas. Recommendations for county highway
departments, businesses and private landowners include finding alternative
sources of gravel and limiting or eliminating exposure to erionite fibers.
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