NSW MP REVEALS FEARS OF LUNG DISEASE FROM WORK AS STONEMASON, CALLS FOR NATIONAL BAN ON ARTIFICIAL STONE PRODUCT

Jeremy Buckingham MP

NSW Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham has today revealed his former employment as a stonemason places him at high risk of developing the debilitating lung disease silicosis and has personally called for a national ban on hazardous artificial stone products.
There has been a spike in silicosis among stonemasons after exposure to toxic dust when artificial or engineered stone containing silica is cut. The disease is incurable and has been described as 'asbestos-like'.

Mr Buckingham, 45, worked as a stonemason for 14 years, where he handled and cut artificial stone product while taking varying levels of precaution.
"The dust would get into your hair, eyes, teeth and down the back of your throat. You'd go home, have a shower, blow your nose and it'd come out like hard glue," he said.
"We were worried about breathing in all that dust but we were told just to sweep it up using a dust pan or broom. No one ever said you need to be careful, no one realised they could have been breathing in a death sentence.
"We still don't know how many people have contracted the incurable silicosis. What we do know is the product is still being sold here in Australia and while it may be too late for some us, we can still save the next generation of stonemasons.
"I'm calling for a moratorium on the production and sale of engineered stone until its safety can be guaranteed. The guidelines now recommend wet cutting of stone but wet dust often dries out and there's no way you can always wet cut on site in every situation. "Sadly, I expect the industry will take a leaf out of the James Hardie playbook - push back hard against moves for a ban on the product and ignore the urgent need for better worker safety," he said.
Mr Buckingham will undergo a free lung screening this week and has urged fellow stonemasons to get tested.
"If you're a current or former stonemason, even if you don't have symptoms or have used a mask, please see your medical professional and find out if you're affected," he said.

29 October 2018