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When you think of workplace hazards, factories and construction sites often come to mind. Growing research suggests our homes may harbour a silent threat: silica dust. Silicosis, the lung disease caused by inhaling silica particles, is normally associated with mining or stonecutting. However, the increasing popularity of quartz and engineered stone for kitchen and bathroom […]
When you think of workplace hazards, factories and construction sites often come to mind. Growing research suggests our homes may harbour a silent threat: silica dust. Silicosis, the lung disease caused by inhaling silica particles, is normally associated with mining or stonecutting. However, the increasing popularity of quartz and engineered stone for kitchen and bathroom countertops has brought this danger into our homes.
Engineered stone is made from crushed quartz mixed with resin and contains up to 90 percent silica. Cutting, grinding, or drilling these surfaces releases microscopic silica particles into the air, which, when inhaled, can scar the lungs and lead to silicosis.
Australia’s decision to ban engineered stone has set a precedent as the first nation to do so. The ban will start on 1 July in most states and territories. It comes after hundreds of Aussie workers developed silicosis from working on engineered stone in 2015 and beyond, with campaigning unions and doctors arguing it could become the “asbestos of the 2020s” without regulation.
Kiwi businesses are forced to adapt to the sudden lack of product access. A ban here would be complex. WorkSafe issued a 2019 alert about the risks of working with engineered stone, emphasising strict dust controls and personal protective equipment. However, the agency has not banned these products outright. As awareness of the silicosis risk grows, pressure may mount for stronger regulations.
In March, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ called for a ban on engineered stone to better protect respiratory health for all workers throughout the country. “It can take up to 10 years after exposure for symptoms of silicosis to appear,” their statement said. “There are multiple alternatives and, as trusted and independent leaders in the respiratory health sector, we do not want to see workers’ lung health deemed of lower importance than consumers’ aesthetic preferences.”
The O’Brien Group has been the largest benchtop manufacturer in Australasia for the last two decades and is five times bigger than any of its New Zealand competitors. General manager Peter O’Brien says silica dust poses no risk to tradies provided it’s not dry cut on-site. Air quality testing and wet cut and polish procedures ensure the silica does not become airborne. It’s important to ensure all workers involved with engineered stone have adequate training, ventilation, and protective gear.
Peter says that silicosis concerns are diminishing as suppliers transition to low or zero-silica products that resemble engineered stone. His only concern with the Australian ban is the looming deadline that suppliers have over the ditch to sell silica-based engineered stone products. The New Zealand market might experience a supply influx in the second half of the year, disrupting local business.
Other than engineered stone, the market currently offers ceramic, natural stone, and acrylic products as viable alternatives. Newly introduced by the O’Brien Group, the Imperio benchtop range is made of paper and resin yet looks like ceramic products (without the ceramic price). The development of products like the Imperio range eliminates silica dust health concerns altogether.
As awareness of the issue continues to grow, it seems likely that we will see further shifts in how engineered stone and other silica-containing products are regulated and used in the years to come.
