N.D. testing for mineral-related illness done

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Scientists have finished testing volunteers exposed to an asbestos-like mineral used widely in western North Dakota and linked to cancer in another country.

But the state Health Department says results of the study won’t be released for at least several weeks.

The department says privacy issues prohibit it from releasing preliminary findings on its study of 34 people who have had long-term exposure to erionite (AYR’-ee-uh-nyt), which can collect in the lungs of people who breathe it. The agency and the Environmental Protection Agency hope to release a report late next month.

The EPA has said that erionite is found in at least a dozen states in the West, but not at the levels in western North Dakota, where it’s used on many rural roads.

Tags: daily updates, north dakota, news, health, gravel