Mesothelioma Threat: Report Revises Erionite Estimates

Disquiet continues growing over the mesothelioma risk presented with the volcanic mineral erionite. An innovative analysis suggests the mineral might be more prevalent inside the U.S. than many understand. Mesothelioma is really a rare but active cancer in the membranes around organs. It will be most often associated with contact with asbestos but, increasingly, scientists say some cases may perhaps be blamed on the mineral erionite. Like asbestos, erionite occurs naturally in the soil. It's a volcanic rock that's primarily found in the U.S. in western states. Erionite has a chemical composition much like asbestos and, like asbestos, can become a mesothelioma threat when airborne.

The newest study on the potential erionite/mesothelioma connection, only just published in Environmental Geochemistry and Health, says it is time for the U.S. to get a better handle on exactly where erionite is located. The authors contend the 1996 U.S. Geological Survey report on erionite in the U.S. is incomplete since it focuses on only one type of geologic setting where erionite can occur. Their report seeks to bring up to date and increase the erionite occurrence database, in light of recent erionite findings, with the hope of furthering research and reducing mesothelioma risk for people in these regions.

According to the newest study, erionite is most often found where basalt or tuffaceous sedimentary rock is located. Deposits have been uncovered in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. When untouched, erionite is not considered a mesothelioma threat. But much of the priority over erionite and mesothelioma in the U.S. has focused on North Dakota where the mineral is mined with road gravel and spread across countless miles of roadways.

Erionite is classified by the International Agency on Cancer Research, the cancer arm of the World Health Organization, as a Group 1 respiratory carcinogen. Asbestos, arsenic and tobacco also fall into this category. The designation was assigned after several research studies found an alarmingly high incidence of mesothelioma in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Mesothelioma rates in several villages there are 600 to 800 times the rate seen elsewhere in the world and were found to be linked to the erionite inside the rock used to build local houses.

Disclaimer: The knowledge in this post is for educational and informational purposes only. The content isn't intended to be an alternative to professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the recommendation of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you could have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you will have read in this article. This post was written by a 3rd party and its content reflects the views of the 3rd party and won't of necessity reflect the views or opinions or of Surviving Mesothelioma or Cancer Monthly.

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