National Strategic Action Plan for Lung Conditions
This Action Plan addresses not only the causes, treatment and management of lung disease, but outlines tangible and practical actions that we can take to…
View moreIn recent years in Australia, we have seen a re-emergence of many occupational lung diseases, including asbestos-related lung disease and, most recently, silicosis. Silicosis is an irreversible and highly preventable lung disease caused by inhalation of silica dust. In 2011, approximately 587,000 Australian workers were exposed to silica dust in the workplace and it’s estimated that 5758 of these will develop a lung cancer over the course of their life as a result.i In March 2019, stonecutter Anthony White died after being exposed to silica dust in the workplace. He is believed to be the first tradesperson to die of the disease in Australia.
[i] Cancer Australia, https://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/workplace-cancer/silica-dust.html