Silicosis is a lung disease that occurs to people exposed to silica dust. The substance combines with water and oxygen in the lungs, making the environment toxic.
The first victim of silicosis in Australia is believed to be Andrew White, a stone cutter from the Gold Coast. In an effort to track the disease, Queensland has introduced a register where doctors have to list cases of patients with silicosis. Already there have been more than a hundred cases of people suffering from the disease, some with advanced forms.
People who handle the material, such as stone cutters and quarry workers have high chances of developing serious respiratory problems that will affect them for the rest of their lives.
Mark Brooke is the CEO of Lung Foundation Australia, an organisation dedicated to respirotary health. He believes that silicosis demands more attention in Australia’s health sector.
‘’Occupational lung disease, in particular silicosis, is really an emerging health priority, and we support Queensland government's call for mandatory reporting. We do know, certainly in Queensland, that there have already been deaths arising from silicosis.’’ said Mr. Brooke.
Mr Brooke stressed that what is needed is a national approach against the disease.
‘’The Lung Foundation is somewhat concerned that states and territories are taking an individual approach rather than a national approach. Silicosis is a national epidemic. It’s really important that we have nationally consistent guidelines. That’s one thing that is missing throughout this entire debate’’.
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