‘Dangerous product’: Australian ban on engineered stone to begin next year

State and federal workplace safety ministers agreed to ban engineered stone, which releases silica dust when cut that has been found to cause deadly diseases and cancers. Photograph: Getty Images

Australia will ban the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone, in a move that has been described as lifesaving.

State and federal workplace ministers met on Wednesday, where they agreed to ban the material, which is commonly used in kitchen and bathroom benchtops. When cut, the product releases fine silica dust that has been found to cause deadly diseases and cancers.