Silicosis
Silicosis is an incurable lung disease from inhaling crystalline silica dust. The primary reason for Australia's engineered stone ban and site silica controls.
Ask Chalkline about this →Silicosis is an incurable, progressive lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust. It results in the formation of scar tissue in the lungs (fibrosis), which reduces the lungs’ capacity to function. Silicosis can lead to disability, respiratory failure, and death. It is not reversible.
On a residential construction site, silicosis risk arises from cutting, grinding, drilling, or sanding materials that contain crystalline silica: concrete, brick, fibre cement sheet, roof tiles, mortar, render, pavers, and sandstone. Engineered stone (now banned for new supply and installation from 1 July 2024) had crystalline silica content up to 93% and caused a cluster of rapidly progressing cases in younger stonemasons that led to the ban.
Silicosis can take years to develop and symptoms (persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue) may not appear until significant lung damage has already occurred. There is no cure. Prevention through dust controls is the only protection.
The Australian workplace exposure standard (WES) for RCS is 0.05 mg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA, set by Safe Work Australia to limit cumulative exposure. See silica dust controls for the full controls hierarchy required on site.
Also known as: occupational lung disease (silica), dust lung
Category: WHS / occupational disease
Related
- Silica dust controls on residential construction sites
- WES (Workplace Exposure Standard)
- RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment)
See also
Last updated: 2026-05-10. Verified: 2026-05-10. Quarterly review for currency.