Lung Foundation brings new supports for workers ’failed’ by continued use of silica materials

Stonemasons such as Joshua Suwa are predicted to experience a big rise in risk of silicosis over the coming years.

Joshua Suwa worked in stonemasonry for over a decade before his silicosis diagnosis took him out of the industry. Picture: Supplied

The nation’s leading lung cancer body wants a ban on all silica ­materials entering the country after a sharp rise in deaths linked to the building of kitchen stone tables.

The Lung Foundation is following the CFMEU and other major unions in calling for a total ban on the importation of silica materials by the end of next year.

If passed the ban would be the first of its kind in the world.

The Lung Foundation’s new program hopes to help those in construction and relevant fields who have had their lives thrown off balance by a silicosis diagnosis.

Often compared to asbestosis, silicosis results from the inhalation of fine silica dust particles that scar tissues in the lungs, artificially inducing pulmonary fibrosis.

An estimated 585,000 Australians are regularly exposed to ­silica dust, with 580 Australians diagnosed with the condition. Photo: Supplied

An estimated 585,000 Australians are regularly exposed to ­silica dust, with 580 Australians diagnosed with the condition.

Lung Foundation Australia expects that number to rise as high as 100,000 over the next five years if current rates of exposure continue.

Lung Foundation Australia chief executive Mark Brooke said the condition affected a younger generation of tradespeople.

“Because Australians are enamoured with shiny kitchen bench tops, we are seeing cases on the rise,” he said.

“These are people in the prime of their lives being diagnosed with what is essentially a terminal illness with no real treatments.”