Australia has recently become the first country in the world to officially ban the use of artificial stone following an increase in cases of so-called silicosis among workers who handle and process this material.
The ban targets artificial stone, a material made by mixing crushed stone with binding resins. Although known as a highly durable and affordable alternative to natural stone for kitchen surfaces, artificial stone can be hazardous when cut, as it releases fine silica dust into the air.
Australia has recorded an increasing number of lung silicosis cases among workers who handled the product, leading this popular material in Australia to be dubbed the “asbestos of the 2020s.” According to representatives of the Australian Ministry of Health, artificial stone is a dangerous product known to cause potentially fatal diseases.
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The ban follows an investigation nine months ago by three Australian news organizations accusing the material supplier of not doing enough to warn people about the dangers of working with the material. Subsequently, the country’s construction union launched a campaign calling for the ban.
A report by the national policy body Safe Work Australia revealed that workers processing artificial stone often became ill and were diagnosed at a much younger age than workers in other industries, with most being under 35 years old.
It was also found that the risk posed by artificial stone differs from that of natural stone due to the physical and chemical composition of the material, likely contributing to faster and more severe illnesses. The report concluded that no level of silica dust is safe in processed stone, and that the material should be completely banned.
Silicosis is caused by tiny silica particles infiltrating the lung lining, manifesting with symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, weakness, and fatigue. The condition drastically reduces quality of life and is potentially fatal, with many previously healthy young sufferers describing an inability to work.
Many companies, including Ikea, have already committed to phasing out this material from the Australian market. The ban will apply to the manufacture, supply, processing, and installation of artificial stone, but not its removal, repair, disposal, or minor modifications.
At this time, there is no research indicating whether artificial stone is harmful to those who use such products. Officially, it is confirmed only that health issues can arise during the processing of this material, when fine dust is formed that can reach the lungs.
Photo: Freepik