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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Benita Kolovos

Australia will become the first country to ban engineered stone bench tops. Will others follow?

Australia United States Liam OBrien California Disease Maurice Blackburn
Home furnishing store demonstrating variants of stone for kitchen countertop
Health experts, trade unions and governments from California and London are taking note of Australia’s ban on engineered stone. Photograph: Alamy

When an Australian worker developed a debilitating lung disease in 2015, it didn’t take researchers long to connect it to engineered stone bench tops – a popular feature in kitchens and bathrooms.

A years-long campaign, driven by doctors, trade unions and workers, was launched to ban the artificial material as silicosis cases rose among those involved in its cutting and handling.

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