BLOG: Serious health risks linked to respirable crystalline silica in stone benchtop industry

We welcome Dr Sharyn Gaskin from Adelaide Exposure Science and Health for a guest blog post.

Members of the Environment Institute contributed to the Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting held in Adelaide 27-30 October 2019.

Dr Sharyn Gaskin, Senior Research Fellow in Occupational and Environmental Health, Adelaide Exposure Science and Health (AESH), University of Adelaide was invited to present in a multidisciplinary special session titled: Silicosis and Artificial Stone Benchtops alongside consulting and thoracic physicians and radiologists. The special event featured some of Australia’s leading experts in silicosis.

The serious health risks associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica for workers in the stone benchtop industry are a cause for deep concern, and are likely to have significant and widespread impacts on workers and the industry. The session explored the epidemiology and practical implications for screening, monitoring, health surveillance and exposure prevention.

Prof Dino Pisaniello, Professor in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, also presented at the meeting on “Exposure Science - building new bridges in occupational and environmental health”.