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The dust of death
Investigation

The dust of death

The dust from cutting engineered stone for Australian kitchens and bathrooms is killing our tradies.

9 stories
The shiny kitchen benchtops killing young Australians
Investigation

The shiny kitchen benchtops killing young Australians

Ken Parker was a model worker, smashing out 40 benchtops a day. Now he just hopes to live long enough to see his daughter turn 18. Ken, and others like him, have silicosis, acquired from inhaling dust from the cutting of engineered stone.

  • by Adele Ferguson and Amelia Ballinger
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Willis Bros workers got silicosis cutting benchtops. Their boss called them dogs
Investigation

Willis Bros workers got silicosis cutting benchtops. Their boss called them dogs

Former stonemason Tim Ruttley sued Willis Bros for compensation after being bullied then sacked after his silicosis diagnosis.

  • by Adele Ferguson
Benchtop giant, health groups demand dangerous-stone ban
Exclusive

Benchtop giant, health groups demand dangerous-stone ban

One of the world’s biggest engineered stone manufacturers and a coalition of health groups have called for action from federal and state governments.

  • by Adele Ferguson and Angus Thompson
The death trap that lurks beneath our city

The death trap that lurks beneath our city

Hundreds of workers on Sydney’s vast tunnelling system are exposed to high levels of silica dust, which can cause a deadly disease.

  • by Adele Ferguson and Amelia Ballinger
What is silicosis? Is it the ‘new asbestosis’?
Explainer

What is silicosis? Is it the ‘new asbestosis’?

Silicosis is the oldest occupational lung disease in the world, but there has been a surge in cases. What is it, and how big is the problem?

  • by Angus Thomson
Union heads call for engineered stone ban ‘as soon as possible’

Union heads call for engineered stone ban ‘as soon as possible’

The ACTU and construction union is calling for engineered stone to be banned to combat the risk of silicosis as the NSW premier called for a national response.

  • by Angus Thompson and Natassia Chrysanthos
Shiny benchtops come at too great a price
Editorial

Shiny benchtops come at too great a price

The calls to ban engineered stone kitchen benchtops and similar building products are understandably growing louder.

  • The Herald's View
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Silicosis victims tell their stories
6:16

Silicosis victims tell their stories

Ken Parker was a model worker, smashing out 40 benchtops a day. Now he just hopes to live long enough to see his daughter turn 18. Ken, and others like him, have silicosis, acquired from inhaling dust from the cutting of engineered stone.

Unions call on Albanese to enact immediate ban on engineered stone

Unions call on Albanese to enact immediate ban on engineered stone

State ministers back a ban on the manufactured stone commonly used in kitchen benchtops which has been shown to cause serious disease and death in tradies using it.

  • by Angus Thompson and Natassia Chrysanthos

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/national/the-dust-of-death-20230219-p5clq0.html