A recent analysis from Monash University found cases of silicosis have risen at a drastic rate in Australia, with more than 500 workers diagnosed with the lung disease in the last ten years in Victoria alone.

The majority of cases are in stonemasons, but other industries have also been impacted, and experts warn cases could continue to grow.

There are concerns for people working in construction, tunnelling, excavation, mining, quarrying, and brick, concrete or stone cutting having been exposed to what has been dubbed the ‘asbestos of the 2020s’.

What is silicosis?

Caused by breathing in silica dust found in natural stone, sand and concrete, silicosis causes inflammation and scarring to the lungs. It can progress to fibrosis in the lungs and eventuate to difficulty or total inability to breathe.

Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue – although there are often no symptoms for years after developing the disease.