New Mesothelioma information that was presented at the 2010 Multidisciplinary Symposium in Thoracic Oncology, shows that people who have been exposed to Erionite, may be have a much higher risk of Mesothelioma. Erionite is a volcanic mineral found in gravel that is used for roads. It forms brittle fibrous masses inside the formation of the rocks and its color can be white or clear. It often looks glass-like or transparent.
Erionite has properties that are similar to Asbestos and may be hazardous when he fibers are breathed in. In other areas of the world, such as certain villages in Turkey, exposure to Erionite has been blamed for a significant number of Mesothelioma cases.
Further research has uncovered that Erionite has been found in paved roads in several areas throughout the United States. These roads are located in Oregon, Arizona, California, North Dakota, Nevada and South Dakota.
If fact, In North Dakota alone, over 300 miles of roads are reported to have been paved with gravel containing Erionite. 30 of those contaminated miles happen to be school bus routes.
Unfortunately there are currently no regulations prohibiting the use of Erionite. However, federal and state agencies are reducing their use of the dangerous mineral and looking for ways to deal with existing contaminated gravel.
