Erionite asbestiform fibres and health risk in Aotearoa/New Zealand: A research note. (12th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patel, Janki Prakash; Brook, Martin S.
• Other Names: Dionisio Rita guestEditor.; Macfarlane Angus guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: New Zealand geographer. Volume 77:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 129
• Publication Date: 2021-04-12
• Subjects: asbestiform -- erionite -- fibrous zeolite -- medical geology; Geography -- Periodicals; New Zealand -- Description and travel -- Periodicals; 910
• DOI: 10.1111/nzg.12291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-8144

Abstract

Abstract: Erionite is a naturally‐occurring fibrous zeolite mineral present in some rocks and soils. It is usually found in volcanic ash altered by weathering and groundwater, and recrystallised as zeolite. It is an "asbestiform" because it forms mineral fibres, and like asbestos, if inhaled, can lead to diseases like malignant mesothelioma (MM). Nevertheless, erionite is generally acknowledged as being more carcinogenic than asbestos minerals. Aotearoa/New Zealand has one of the highest MM rates in the western world. We describe preliminary results from erionite in Auckland, provide observations about asbestiform fibres and disease in the Aotearoa‐Pacific Island region, and briefly outline avenues for research.