OCCUPATIONAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH IN AOTEAROA

Erionite Risk In New Zealand

Assessing and managing the occupational and public health risk from a rare zeolite mineral, erionite (carcinogenic in its fibrous form), to mitigate health and economic impacts.

THE PROJECT

Developing an erionite risk assessment and management toolbox

Aotearoa hosts a range of natural zeolite minerals, one of which being fibrous forms of erionite. 

Erionite is relatively rare. It can form tiny needlelike fibres, and like asbestos, if inhaled, can lead to malignant mesothelioma (MM), a type of lung cancer.

Assessing the risk of erionite exposure in Aotearoa is therefore a technical challenge. It combines environmental scientists, geologists, medical practitioners, modelers and policy advisors, to achieve our research goals.

RESEARCH GOALS

Overcoming geological, analytical and technological challenges

The research programme (2020-2025) will aim to:

    • Identify the presence of erionite in rocks, soils  and air across New Zealand
    • To investigate and mitigate the potential occupational and public health risks associated with exposure to airborne fibres
    • Develop technological tools to mitigate the impact of erionite exposure

    • Development of novel and highly advanced methods for accurate identification of mineral fibres, modelling tools and  risk management guidance.

BENEFITS

Risk-based approach to determining erionite exposure

Erionite is a rare mineral and so it is important to maintain a sense of perspective, and base decision-making on science. 

Establishing a link between fibrous erionite exposure and development of associated lung disease remains difficult. It can take decades for MM to develop after exposure.

Safety is paramount, and it is vital we are aware of, and address any potential risks fibrous erionite may pose. 

Nevertheless, when erionite remains undisturbed below the surface it does not present a risk.

CO-CREATION OF KNOWLEDGE

Leveraging the benefits of local knowledge and international experience

Māori, as tangata whenua, have an obligation of stewardship over the whenua, and iwi and hapū mana whenua.

Integrating mātauranga Māori with international expertise in erionite detection and analysis will underpin decision-making frameworks.

Engagement with iwi and hapū will initiate and inform the format, context and content of evidence-based erionite risk communication and policy development in Aotearoa.

DISCLAIMER

This website and opinions contained herein are based on a review of current data that is available. The authors base their conclusions and recommendations on this data in the format it was provided and/or sourced. The authors do not take any responsibility or liability for any commercial decisions or work carried out by anyone, or subsequent parties, or actions resulting from them.