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Workers could be unaware of deadly toxins and dust

Workers who have been exposed to dust and toxins may not know they are at risk of developing serious conditions such as silicosis, asbestosis and occupational asthma.

These occupational lung diseases develop over months, sometimes years, without becoming immediately apparent.

It means symptoms may not be obvious and even when they are noticed, they may not be bad enough to suggest a serious underlying health condition.

The number of people living with silicosis is rising rapidly, with researchers at Curtin University predicting 83,090 cases of silicosis will arise in future as a result of occupational exposure to silica dust.

State and territory governments along with the federal government are investigating ways to outlaw potentially deadly stone products that release toxic dust when cut.

It comes amid mounting pressure from federal MPs, unions and health experts to ban engineered-stone bench tops.

Silicosis

Workers who are exposed to dust and toxins may not know they are at risk of developing silicosis, asbestosis and occupational asthma. Photo: Getty

Here, we take a look at three common diseases caused by exposure to workplace dust and toxins.

Occupational asthma

People who already have asthma that is worsened at work and those who develop asthma while on the job have occupational asthma.

Health experts estimate up to 25 per cent of adults have work-related asthma and 15 per cent of adult-onset asthma may be caused by hazardous occupational exposures.

It’s crucial to know the signs of occupational asthma and this can be done by monitoring symptoms while at work compared to being away from work (including weekends and leave periods).

A heavier reliance on medication at work should be reported to a GP so symptoms can be recorded.

The GP may compare symptoms with work history to determine whether a link exists.

Silicosis

Silicosis is preventable, but sadly there is no cure and it can be terminal.

It is caused by breathing in crystalline silica, which is found in stone, sand, concrete and mortar.

Stonemasons and other workers who use it to make composite stone for bench tops, bricks, tiles and some plastics are most at risk.

The Centre for Resources Health and Safety at the University of Newcastle estimates more than 500,000 workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in the workplace every year.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is caused by exposure to asbestos dust, which leads to scarring in the lungs and in the lining that surrounds the lungs.

This lung damage is not reversible.

Worryingly, symptoms typically appear 10 to 20 years after exposure. These include difficulty breathing, coughing, lung damage and in severe cases, have an enlarged heart.

If you have been diagnosed with an illness linked to exposure at your work, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Get legal advice from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, they have extensive experience in dust-related issues. Contact them on 1800 763 192 for a free consultation. Continuing to work in a dangerous work environment may be one of the worst things you can do for your health.

If you have been diagnosed with an illness linked to exposure at your work, it’s important to understand the options available to you. Maurice Blackburn Lawyers has extensive experience in dust-related diseases. Continuing to work in a dangerous work environment may be one of the worst things you can do for your health.

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