Erionite Asbestiform Fibres And Health Risk In Aotearoa/New Zealand: A Research Note

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.