Rocks from the Auckland region have been found to contain erionite, a toxic fibrous silicate mineral
Occupational health expert David McBride discusses the risks associated with erionite, which has been described as one of the most toxic minerals on earth – and it’s right here in New Zealand
References
1. Brook MS, Black PM, Salmond J, et al. Erionite in Auckland bedrock and malignant mesothelioma: an emerging public and occupational health hazard? NZ Med J 2020;133(1518):73–78.
2. Baris I, Simonato L, Artvinli M, et al. Epidemiological and environmental evidence of the health effects of exposure to erionite fibres: a four-year study in the Cappadocian region of Turkey. Int J Cancer 1987;39(1):10– 17.
3. Korchevskiy A, Rasmuson JO, Rasmuson EJ. Empirical model of mesothelioma potency factors for different mineral fibers based on their chemical composition and dimensionality. Inhal Toxicol 2019;31(5):180– 91.
4. Salmond L, Brook M. What lies beneath: is this the new asbestos? September 2020. auckland.ac.nz
