New Monash study underscores the alarming surge in silicosis cases linked to artificial stone fabrication

Recent research conducted by Monash University indicates a significant increase in silicosis cases among Victorian workers engaged in the manufacturing and installation of artificial stone countertops.

The Victorian Government has facilitated access to health screening for stone benchtop workers since mid-2019, aiming to combat the increasing cases of silicosis reported in the industry.

According to the researchers, the Government-sponsored screening has been essential for recognising impacted workers and for grasping the scale of the silicosis epidemic.

The research, directed by Dr. Ryan Hoy from the Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, part of the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University, sought to examine the variations in the incidence of silicosis cases in Victoria, Australia, and their link to employment in the stone benchtop industry.

“Following commencement of active health assessment of hundreds of stone benchtop industry workers in Victoria from 2019, the results of our study confirm the alarming scale of the silicosis outbreak,” Dr Hoy said.

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