Dr Sabina Michnowicz is about to commence a tour to present at most IOQNZ local branches during March / April 2016

  • 29 March 2016 Christchurch
  • 31 March 2016 Dunedin
  • 12 April 2016 Auckland
  • 14 April 2016 Whangarei
  • 19 April 2016 Hamilton

Occupational exposure to dust generated by quarrying siliceous rocks (e.g. sandstone or coal) is a well known
respiratory hazard; similarly, the hazard of inhaling volcanic ash is also routinely studied in
volcanicly active areas.

The specific respiratory hazard of quarried volcanic deposits is under-researched
and this is the first time that volcanic quarry dust has been investigated to determine the type
of hazard it poses.

Inter-disciplinary research was conducted combining several scientific disciplines:
mineralogy, toxicology, chemistry and social sciences. This enabled a holistic exploration of the quarry
workers’ exposure to dust and aided in investigation of whether that exposure might potentially be
hazardous.

Dr Sabina Michnowicz will share the findings of her research which included visiting
seven quarries in the North Island, as well as quarries in Greece, the UK and Montserrat (a Caribbean island).

See Diary pages for more details