Silicosis alert: Cases of deadly lung disease in Australian tradies
Young Australian tradies and workers are facing a health crisis as new findings reveal the extent of the public health threat silicosis poses to lungs.
The Australian Workers’ Union, the Australian Council of Trade Unions and the CFMEU launched the “Stop this Killer Stone” campaign on Monday, urging regulatory bodies to take immediate action to stop rising cases of silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust.
The condition is incurable and can cause lung inflammation and fibrosis.
“(We know) silica exposure is all but certain to be occurring at dangerous levels. Our members are working in environments so dusty they can’t see more than 50 metres in front of them. They’re getting covered from head to toe in dust and they walk out with that dust on them which continues to spread,” Walton said.
