Common kitchen item lands 48-year-old on his death bed

A 48-year-old is on his deathbed thanks to the “next asbestos” outbreak impacting labourers just months after he was diagnosed.

A 48-year-old is on his deathbed because of the “next asbestos” outbreak impacting labourers.

Marek Marzec is receiving end of life care in hospital after the London man was diagnosed with silicosis in April.

Silicosis is caused by items with a high silica content such as engineered stone. The stone has been linked to the incurable illness since 2015. Engineered stone is a common item used in kitchen benchtops. It was recently banned in Australia.

Mr Marzec spent 12 years cutting engineered stone. He said he’s been left unable to breathe and in a lot of pain.

Marek Marzec has the lung disease silicosis. Picture: SWNS

“I cannot tell you how angry I am that I was allowed to work in these conditions and that my life has been cut short simply for doing my job,” Mr Marzec told SWNS.

“I am not the only person whose life has been put at risk by this lethal dust.

“It is time for urgent action to stop these dangerous working conditions I had to face before other stone workers contract this terrible disease and die.”

Leigh Day solicitors are representing Mr Marzec. But he’s not the only stone mason they are working with.

Ewan Tant, a partner at the firm, warned tougher measures are needed.

Last month, Lung Foundation Australia released a survey of more than 500 people in the most impacted industries showing 36 per cent knew what symptoms to look out for.

In Australia, 600,000 people work in industries where they could have been exposed.

Symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. This can appear a few weeks to many years after exposure to silica dust.

A whopping 78 per cent are aware of silica dust and the risk of silicosis. Only 23 per cent are worried about developing the lung condition. Eight per cent have discussed it with a health professional. Just 34 per cent understand it’s incurable.

He’s been given weeks to live. Picture: SWNS

Last year, Safe Work Australia pushed for a total ban on engineered stone. There were fears it would create the “next asbestos”.

It resulted in engineered stone — which is safe for those living in a home after it is installed — being banned in Australia on July 1, 2024.

From September 1, 2024, builders needed a permit to work with legacy engineered stone — the world’s first domestic ban on use, supply and manufacturing of the item.

It was announced last month that from January 1, 2025, there will be a ban on importation that will see $32.1 million over two years given to the Australian Border Force to implement the prohibition.

The Lung Foundation argued that despite the ban on engineered stone, workers continue to be exposed to silica dust.

Many workers have already revealed they have been impacted by the incurable illness.