Study: Mineral on western N.D. roads changes lungs

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A study has found that an asbestos-like mineral used on western North Dakota gravel roads can cause changes in the lungs consistent with commercial asbestos exposure.

The state Health Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday also said the investigation did not find an increase in mesothelioma cancer but that the results are inconclusive about whether there is an increased risk.

Hundreds of miles of roads in western North Dakota are covered with gravel containing erionite, a mineral found in rock mined for decades in Dunn, Slope and Stark counties. Thirty-four people who have had long-term exposure were tested.

Because of the lung changes found in the study, health officials continue to recommend that erionite gravel dust exposure be kept as low as possible.

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