New Mineral in North Dakota May Cause Mesothelioma

Scientists in Bismarck, North Dakota are trying to study the health effects of erionite, an asbestos-like mineral that is widely used in western North Dakota. The top rock researcher and chief fossil finder in the sate have collaborated to determine if they and others have been harmed by long-term exposure to the mineral.

However, the scientists are having difficulties finding volunteers to participate in the study. State health officials and the Environmental Protection Agency are asking for around 50 volunteers to receive chest X-rays and CT scans that will be sent to the University of Cincinnati to be studied. All study participants would be paid $100 each.

Erionite covers many of the roads in the state and comes from the Killdeer Mountains. Eric Kehr, a local restaurant owner understands why many people are not signing up for the study. “Maybe we’d rather not know we have cancer, and if we stick our heard in the sand maybe it will go away. What can anybody do about it anyway?  There is no way to blacktop all these gravel roads, so practically speaking, it’s an unsolvable problem.”

Ed Murphy, a state geologist, notified the EPA of the mineral in the area three years ago after finding that in Turkey the mineral was linked to mesothelioma, a fatal form of cancer typically caused by asbestos. However, there are slight differences between the erionite in North Dakota which is more calcium-based and the erionite in Turkey which is sodium-based.

There are some that feel that fears of the mineral are exaggerated. State Representative Shirley Meyer said she grew up playing in gravel pits that contain erionite and is confident she does not have any illnesses related to the mineral. She hopes residents will sign up for the study to dismiss any apprehensions that has caused Killdeers Dunn County to use erionite free gravel.

Currently, less then 10 people have agreed to participate and the sign-up deadline has been extended from April 17th to June 12th.

1. 

   Chris Whitfield says:

   May 10, 2009 at 3:49 pm

   How common is this mineral?