Victims of the silicosis epidemic gripping Queensland's tradies are set to meet on the Gold Coast to form a support network.
More than 130 men have so far been diagnosed with the potentially fatal disease.
Of those, more than 20 - one aged just 22 - have been diagnosed with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), which is a death sentence.
The Silicosis Support Network to be launched on the Gold Coast on Saturday aims to help sufferers, their families and carers.
Trevor Torrens from the Asbestos Disease Support Society said silicosis posed a grave risk to thousands of workers in the manufacturing and construction industries.
Stonemasons who worked with engineered stone used in kitchen benchtops and vanity units are among the most at risk.
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