Kindly sponsored by University of Auckland School for Environment
Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous zeolite mineral classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, with toxicity exceeding that of asbestos. Recent research has confirmed the presence of erionite, in locations throughout New Zealand including within the Auckland Region. Found in various volcanic formations across New Zealand, erionite poses significant occupational hazards to the civil infrastructure and associated sectors through airborne exposure during earth and rock disturbance activities that includes testing, excavation, tunnelling, and quarrying. This presentation will provide industry with the latest information on the known geological occurrence of erionite in New Zealand, with emphasis on the challenges of testing for erionite minerals and determining the distribution and risk of erionite minerals and their potential pathway to create harm. It will cover the challenges of how to test for and identify analytically erionite minerals, both in-field and in the laboratory and outline practical strategies for managing and mitigating risk of exposure. Strategies include educational awareness by location, monitoring programmes, dust control, PPE protocols, and industry-specific case studies. Attendees will gain insights into emerging erionite research, its implications and best practices for safeguarding health in infrastructure projects.
Martin Brook is Professor of Applied Geology at the University of Auckland, a CGeol and PEngGeol. His research interests are in engineering and environmental geology, and he has been working on zeolite minerals, particularly erionite, for several years. He also leads the Master of Engineering Geology programme at the University of Auckland.