Engineered stone: why it's banned in Australia

What is the ban on engineered stone?

Engineered stone is now banned in Australia. The ban prohibits the manufacture, supply, and use of this substance. The ban came into effect on 1 July 2024 as a direct response to the high levels of silica-related disease caused by the products.

The ban specifically excludes products such as concrete and cement, ceramics, bricks, pavers, and plasterboard. It also excludes porcelain products or engineered stone with less than 1% crystalline silica. This means that these products are still allowed to be used.

Work such as minor repairs to or removal of previously installed engineered stone is not subject to the ban, but there are rules governing the removal or disturbance of existing engineered stone products.

The ban aims to reduce the prevalence of deadly silica-related diseases going forward, but it will not completely eradicate silicosis. Silica dust exposure can occur across a range of industries, including quarrying, tunnelling, concreting, and construction. Proper workplace safety procedures are needed in all workplaces to prevent future disease development. 

What is engineered stone, and why is the ban necessary?

For most of us, engineered stone is encountered most commonly in kitchen benchtops. Why is this popular material so damaging to workers’ health?

Engineered stone is a man-made mixture of various materials, bonded with resin. It’s usually cheaper to produce and cheaper to buy than natural stones such as granite or marble. It’s also popular because it’s durable and stain-resistant. This made the demand for engineered stone products high. The problem is that the silica content of engineered stone is far higher than naturally occurring stone.

When engineered stone is cut, it releases very small particles called respirable crystalline silica into the air. When respirable crystalline silica is inhaled, the particles can become trapped in the lungs, where they can cause irreversible damage. This leads to serious lung disease and even death.

The higher silica content of engineered stone, along with high consumer demand, has led to an alarming rate of diagnoses of silica-related diseases among workers in the industry. In some Australian states, it is estimated that 1 in 4 stonemasons has silicosis. A ban on this particularly dangerous, high-silica-content product is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of silica-related diseases in the future.

Although some stone companies tried to market forms of stone described as “lower silica alternatives”, their silica content is still high, and these products are very dangerous for those working with them, fabricating them and installing them. The ban helps avoid confusing marketing terms.

What are the risks of silica exposure?

Breathing in silica dust particles can cause many serious illnesses. The most highly publicised is silicosis. This is an incurable lung disease that causes scarring in the lungs. Silicosis causes increasing breathlessness, which is debilitating and can shorten the sufferer’s life. There are other lung diseases caused by silica exposure, such as lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis.

Silica exposure can also cause autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and sarcoidosis.

Silicosis can develop as early as one year after exposure, but it often takes around 10 years to develop. There is no “safe level” of silica dust.

What to do if you have been exposed?

Not everyone who is exposed to silica dust will develop a silica-related disease. But because silicosis can take many years to develop, it is important to record your exposure as soon as you become aware of it. Maurice Blackburn has a free National Dust Register where you can record your exposure. You can register your exposure online here.

It’s also a good idea to inform your doctor of your exposure so they can be aware of it when considering periodic health reviews and investigations.

If you are diagnosed with a silica-related disease

If you are diagnosed with silicosis or a silica-related disease, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. It is a complex area of law with strict time limits that vary from state to state. It is best to seek legal advice as early as possible to determine if you are eligible to make a compensation claim or what steps need to be taken to protect your entitlements. Maurice Blackburn has a team of expert silica disease lawyers who can provide you with legal advice about your compensation entitlements.