Silicosis is an entirety preventable, fibrotic occupational respiratory disease, which is specifically caused by inhalational exposure to silica dust. In recent years, there has been a major re-emergence of silicosis in Australia, particularly associated with the engineered (artificial) stone benchtop industry. This report covers:
- What is silica?
- Which workers are at risk of exposure to silica dust?
- The engineered stone benchtop industry
- What is silicosis and what are other diseases associated with silica exposure?
- Engineered stone silicosis
- What is the epidemiology of silicosis in Australia?
- What are the health, social and economic impacts of silicosis?
- What measures are there to prevent silicosis?
- How can workers be screened for silicosis?
- What are the treatment options for silicosis?
- What are the gaps in knowledge related to silicosis, and its prevention and management?
