Lung Foundation Australia Senior Manager Strategic Projects Elizabeth Early said a slew of advertising in media outlets around the nation was misleading, making claims which have not been researched or substantiated in any meaningful scientific way. 

“There is no safe level of exposure to silica dust, and this insidious disease, which has no cure, is going to affect thousands of people over the next few years,” Ms Early said. 

“The latest Australian research shows one in four stonemasons will develop this debilitating, often fatal and completely preventable disease and its resurgence is directly related to the popularity of engineered stone, a fashion product.” 

Throughout October Lung Foundation Australia is running a campaign as part of National Safe Work Month urging all tradies to take the Healthy Lungs at Work quiz to understand their risk of silicosis. 

National estimates are nearly 600,000 Australian workers, including stonemasons, are currently exposed to silica dust. Without intervention it is predicted silica dust exposure will cause over 10,000 new lung cancer cases and up to 100,000 silicosis cases. 

“Our research shows almost 40 per cent of Aussie tradies do not think silica dust exposure is a serious concern to their health, and one in two do not know there is no safe level of silica dust exposure,” Ms Early said.  

Ms Early said in August Safe Work Australia tabled a report making recommendations to Commonwealth, state and territory WHS ministers on options to prohibit the use of engineered stone following extensive consultation, independent economic analysis and an expert review of evidence. 

“This report is a vital piece of work which has highlighted how widespread, dangerous and under-diagnosed the issue of silicosis is in Australia,” Ms Early said.  

“The focus must now be on commencing an importation ban on the use of engineered stone products, and ensuring there is nationally consistent legislation for the monitoring and health surveillance of workers exposed to silica dust across all affected industries. 

“Health experts and workers’ safety unions support an importation ban. This advertising push from a lobby group which stands to lose money should workers safety be put first, must be viewed firmly in that lens.”