Australia is to ban the use of engineered stone bench tops in a world-first move.
The decision to see the popular kitchen and bathroom feature come off the market in the majority of the nation's territories around July 2024 was made on Wednesday by state and federal workplace ministers.
The ban also extends to the prohibition of stone imports.
It was announced in conjunction with the States and Territories (which manages Australia's work health and safety laws), signalling "support for domestic use bans in their jurisdictions", Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke said.
What are engineered stone bench tops?
Engineered stone bench tops have become increasingly popular in homes through the years and most of their appeal lies in durability, aesthetics and the fact that these surfaces can be a lot easier to clean than other materials.
The man-made stone is manufactured by combining quartz or granite aggregates with resins and pigment.
Why are they being banned?
The decision to ban the bench tops follows significant concerns raised over the risk of exposure to fine silica dust.
In a report commissioned by the Australian Council of Trade Unions, it was estimated that over half a million of the country's workers are exposed to silica dust or respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
These individuals inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years, are at risk of developing silicosis. Symptoms to look out for include a persistent cough, shortness of breath and weakness or lethargy.
Mr Burke wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Silica-related diseases have been on the rise and it’s our job to do what we can to protect workers' lives - and today (Wednesday 15) we’ve done just that."
A message by Australia's Labor party added: "We're protecting Australia's workers by joining with states and territories in supporting a ban on dangerous engineered stone products that cause silica-related diseases."
Where else could they be banned?
Australia may not be completely alone in its decision to ban the bench top material.
The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board in Sacramento, US yesterday approved an emergency temporary standard on RCS to protect workers. This marks a step closer to the ban Government bodies in Los Angeles have been campaigning for for months already.
According to the Department of Industrial Relations, the standard will come into effect in late December.
