Engineered stone benchtops linked to deadly lung disease silicosis

Wayne Scott, chief executive of MinEx, the national Health and Safety Council for New Zealand’s extractive sector – mining, quarrying, and tunnelling, wants engineered stone benchtops banned because of the risk of silicosis lung cancer.

Engineered stone benchtops look great in modern homes but their installation in kitchens can have a deadly effect similar to asbestos.

Wayne Scott, chief executive of MinEx – the national Health and Safety Council for New Zealand’s extractive sector – mining, quarrying, and tunnelling – is calling for the benchtops to be banned.

That has already happened in most parts of Australia because of the danger of silicosis lung cancer.

Scott was in Gisborne to discuss health and safety issues with the local extractive sector.

The production of the stone benchtops, which can be between 50% and 90% silica, creates tiny dust particles that can cause silicosis-damaged lungs.

Scott says the danger does not exist at the quarry or factory because of suppression techniques such as using water, but in residential kitchens where the bench may be cut to fit or to allow for taps, and where water can’t be used as a suppressant.

“That’s why Australia has banned those benchtops.”

Silicosis lung cancer is a greater threat than asbestos-caused cancer, Scott says.

“Asbestos is not everywhere; silica is everywhere. It’s the most common mineral in the world.”

Scott wants New Zealand to follow Australia in establishing a register which mandates the reporting of silicosis.

The data identifies high-risk industries, occupations and workplaces, and allows for targeted early intervention and preventive measures.

“We’re calling on the Government to look at the whole problem more seriously,” Scott said. “We came to the party with asbestos too late. We denied the problem for too long. We don’t want to do that with silicosis.”

More than 100 people have died from silicosis lung cancer in Australia and about 700 compensation claims have been made against employers.

Most of the fatal cases have involved workers aged under 35.

The number of silicosis cases remains unknown in New Zealand.

Scott also spoke to the Gisborne Herald in his capacity as chief executive of Aggregate and Quarry Association NZ.

Quarries were some distance from town, he said. No one wanted a quarry in their backyard and everyone wanted to buy at a cheap price.

“Rock is a high-volume, low-value product. As soon as you put it on a truck, it starts costing you money. It only has to travel 30km and it doubles in price.

“There is rock and sand everywhere. Let’s identify such sites which are close to the market. Where it’s appropriate, let’s get it approved and get on with it.”

Scott said he was talking about “very low-impact operations”, which had little effect on neighbours and where issues could be mitigated.

Iwi issues were more difficult but were resolvable, he said.

“We just need local government to step up and do what they’re required to do under the Reserve Management Act.”