Australia becomes the first country in the world to ban artificial stone, which is commonly used for kitchen counters, as it causes a rapid increase in the deadly disease ``silicosis''.



Marble , which has a beautiful appearance, is popular as a material for kitchen counters and floors, but it is expensive, so artificial stone (quartz stone), which is made by crushing and hardening quartz , is often used instead. However, due to a rapid increase in cases of workers engaged in the processing of artificial stones developing a fatal disease called silicosis , the Australian government decided to be the first in the world to ban the use of artificial stones.

Australia makes world-first decision to ban engineered stone following surge in silicosis cases - ABC News
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-13/engineered-stone-ban-discussed-at-ministers-meeting/103224362



Crystalline silica and silicosis - Questions and answers about the impact analysis and consultation | Safe Work Australia
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/crystalline-silica-and-silicosis/questions-and-answers-about-impact-analysis-and-consultation

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica (silicon dioxide) dust, which causes chronic inflammation and nodular lesions in the lungs, leading to increased fatigue, coughing, chest pain, loss of appetite, and It causes symptoms such as difficulty breathing. In particular, acute silicosis caused by exposure to large amounts of dust over a period of several weeks to several years is a dangerous disease in which shortness of breath and weight loss rapidly worsen, leading to respiratory failure and death within two years.

Silicosis has long been known as an occupational disease common among miners, stone cutters, and sandblasting workers, but in the second half of the 20th century, the mortality rate from silicosis decreased significantly in developed countries. Did. However, in recent years, cases of silicosis have again increased among workers who manufacture and install countertops made of artificial stone containing silica.

A 2023 study analyzed the cases of 52 California countertop fabricators diagnosed with silicosis between 2019 and 2022, with 11 cases severe enough to require lung transplants and at least 10 cases of silicosis . was found to be dead . Many artificial stones contain 90% or more of silica, and there is a high risk of inhaling dust and developing silicosis during work.



In response to the rapid rise in the number of workers suffering from silicosis caused by artificial stone used in countertops and bathroom vanities, the Australian government has announced a nationwide ban on the use of artificial stone at federal, state and territory conferences. They unanimously agreed to ban it. The ban will start in most states and territories from July 1, 2024, and they will also consider banning imported artificial stones in order to strengthen enforcement.

Trade unions, health organizations and personal injury law firms have welcomed the ban, saying it will save workers' lives. Liam O'Brien, assistant general secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, said: 'Synthetic stone is a fashion product that is killing the workers who make it. Why do we make our kitchens fashionable when alternatives are so easily available?' Why risk the lives of craftsmen to achieve this?'

Ryan Hui, one of the doctors who has been sounding the alarm over the rise in silicosis caused by artificial stones, points out that silicosis affects young men in their prime working age. 'Some people have become very seriously ill, with severe shortness of breath and difficulty in carrying out normal daily activities.' Hundreds of cases of silicosis have been reported in Australia since 2015, and unions have joined a campaign to ban the use of engineered stone, saying it could become the 'asbestos of the 2020s'. I did.

Zak Smith from the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union of Australia (CMFEU) assessed the national engineered stone ban, saying: 'This will be a huge loss for the thousands of workers who have been forced to use engineered stone products. 'This is an important victory. Let's be clear: The decisions made today by governments at various levels will save lives.'



Meanwhile, Caesarstone , a leading engineered stone manufacturer, responded by saying it was 'deeply disappointed' in the decision. The spokesperson said that banning artificial stones alone would not eliminate the risk of silicosis in the workplace, adding, ``Most importantly, the real cause of the rise in silicosis rates is compliance with safety standards. It does not address the deficiencies in enforcement.'

The industry is also given a six-month grace period to transition to engineered stone alternatives, but Caesarstone believes this period will allow it to avoid 'significant disruption' to the construction and housing industry. pointed out that it was not sufficient. A spokesperson said: 'To ensure the industry meets anticipated demand for alternative products and to ensure that processors with the necessary financial resources can reorganize and reskill their workforces to switch to other products, We need a longer period of time.”

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