The death of a Queensland tradie from silicosis with more cases emerging has sparked concerns the disease could become the next asbestosis.

Silicosis could turn out to be the next asbestosis in terms of work-related deaths, a Queensland government minister says.

Gold Coast stonecutter Anthony White, who died last weekend, had became the face of the silicosis fight after being diagnosed with the disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust.

Read more: sbs.com.au