Banning artificial stones could prevent 100 lung cancers and 1,000 cases of silicosis, where dust leaves scars on the lungs
A well-fitting respirator can reduce the risk. Credit: Shutterstock Silica dust is a very fine dust that is produced when products such as bricks, concrete and pavers are cut or drilled. Artificial stone, which is used primarily for kitchen countertops, is a very strong source of silica dust. Inhaling this dust into the lungs can cause severe long-term damage. This can lead to difficulty breathing, scarring of the lungs (silicosis) and lung cancer. In our recently published report, we estimate that without action, Australian workers will develop over 10,000 lung cancers in the future and nearly 104,000 cases of silicosis over their lifetime due to exposure to silica dust. This is about 1% of all future lung cancers in the Australian adult population. However, banning artificial stone would reduce silica exposure and could prevent 100 lung cancers and nearly 1,000 cases of silicosis over the lifet