Explainer: what is silicosis and why is this old lung disease making a comeback?

Silicosis is a group of occupational lung diseases caused by breathing in silica dust. It has been described since ancient times, when miners and stone cutters were exposed to dust containing this crystalline mineral.

Silicosis was more common in Australia in the 1940s to 60s, particularly in construction and demolition workers. Growing awareness of the disease and the importance of reducing exposure to dust – for instance, wearing masks at work, wetting the dust and other safe work practices – has reduced the number of cases.... Read full article: the Conversation

New cases of silicosis in Australia linked to bathroom and kitchen stone products

As a young bricky, Chris Parmangos had no idea silica dust rising from the Sydney sandstone and bricks he worked with would cost him his health. Mr Parmangos was about 33, and 15 years into his job as a labourer in Sydney, when he was diagnosed with early signs of lung disease from exposure to silica dust. Silicosis is potentially deadly and can have a shorter latency period than asbestosis, another dust disease, which can take decades to surface... Read full article: Sydney Morning Herald

$300,000 damages upheld for dust disease death

THE widow of a Port Stephens man who died before a precedent-setting dust disease case could be settled has had a $300,000 damages settlement upheld in the NSW Court of Appeal.... Read full article: Newcastle Herald