Fears remain for the lung health of workers in various industries, despite a national ban on engineered stone coming into effect this year.
Experts pointed out that current dust testing methods focus solely on the weight of particles, overlooking the potential importance of their size and shape in ensuring safety.
The University of Queensland (UQ) has developed a testing method to identify more dangerous materials, offering better protection for workers in mining and construction against diseases like black lung and silicosis.
Many workers developing silicosis, an incurable lung disease, due to working with engineered stone led to a complete ban on the material in Australia starting from July 1.
UQ Research Lead Nikky LaBranche said increasing dust-related lung diseases, especially among young Australians, prompted the scientific community to recognise the need for a fresh approach to testing.
“The methodology we have developed takes an in-depth look at particle characteristics such as size, shape, and mineral makeup, along with their potential to group together,” she said.
She explained that the team used a special microscope called a Mineral Liberation Analyzer to measure the size and shape of individual particles, creating a “mineral map” across them.
Notably, she said the team found the dust going into the lungs is different from the original dust source because some minerals break down into smaller particles more efficiently.
“This is important because the lighter and smaller particles are more easily breathed in to pose a health hazard, something which is overlooked in conventional weight testing,” she said.
“These things weren’t possible (to discover) previously because of cost and technology,” she added.
UQ is talking to several mine operators to conduct testing at their locations, and the team encourages other businesses in similar industries to reach out for collaboration.
“Some mines have already contacted UQ to undertake this testing to better understand the dust risks on their sites,” Ms. LaBranche said.
“UQ is now offering it as a service to industries that would benefit from this type of information.”
Co-researcher Professor David Cliff mentioned the new method would assist in studying how the characteristics of particles are connected to the development of diseases caused by inhaling dust.
“By understanding the mineralogy and shape of respirable dust particles, it will be possible to simulate their impact on the lungs so we can more accurately identify the risk factors for workers and tailor effective controls,” he said.
Workplace Ministers Ban Common Benchtop Material
It came after Safe Work Australia issued a report in October suggesting a total ban on the use of all engineered stone in Australia.The report discovered that working with engineered stone produces high levels of respirable crystalline silica, likely leading to faster and more severe diseases.
In some states, reports have shown that as many as one in four stonemasons who work with engineered stone have been diagnosed with silicosis.
In December, state and federal workplace ministers agreed to ban the material commonly used in kitchen and bathroom benchtops.
After the meeting, Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales (NSW) released statements confirming their commitment to the ban.
Queensland’s Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said the dangerous product had “no place” in the workforce.
“Major retailers, including Bunnings and IKEA, have already announced they will phase out sales of engineered stone, and I encourage other retailers to follow their example,” she said.
Victoria’s Workplace Minister, Danny Pearson, weighed in.
He said a national ban would protect workers from the “shocking disease.”
“No one should be exposed to fatal risks simply by going to work. It’s just unacceptable,” he said.
NSW Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis said it was about saving lives.
“My message to business and consumers is this: it’s time for you to stop buying this stuff. Don’t enter into any further contracts,” she said.
Certain products will be explicitly exempted from being classified as engineered stone, including items like concrete and cement products, bricks, pavers, ceramic and porcelain tiles, roof tiles, grout, mortar, render, and plasterboard.
Australian Council of Trade Unions Assistant Secretary Liam O'Brien said engineered stone is a fashion product that was killing the workers who make it.
“With alternatives readily available, why are we risking the lives of tradies for a fashionable finish in our kitchens?” he said.
“More than 600,000 workers are exposed to silica at work, and we need strict rules in all workplaces to prevent more workers from being diagnosed with this debilitating and incurable disease.”
