Australia is set to become the first country to ban engineered stone products. It's cold comfort to former industry workers with research indicating that 100,000 individuals are currently at risk of developing silicosis.

KEY POINTS

Data shows that at least 579 Australians have silicosis and up to 600,000 workers are exposed to silica dust.

Most people with silicosis do not show any symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

Some states and territories will have transitional arrangements which will allow certain engineered stone work to continue until 31 December 2024.

If you are diagnosed with dust disease, it is strongly recommended that you stop all work involving hazardous dust to avoid any additional exposure.

In most cases, people with silicosis will not experience any symptoms in the early stages and it can take years to be diagnosed after initial exposure.