The only stand-alone medical research institute in Australia dedicated to dust-related diseases has welcomed unified action by state and federal governments in deciding to ban engineered stone, which causes silicosis.
Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) Chair Peter Tighe said that the ban announced in December would save lives and is a tribute to the strong community and union-led campaign against the product.
“Victims of exposure to engineered stone and trade unions have painted a compelling picture to government and regulators, that this common building product has the potential to be the next asbestos epidemic, in terms of dust disease.”
“The reality is that Silicosis and other dust-related diseases caused by occupational exposure are entirely preventable – Australian workers are now dying because of the market for these vanity products.”
“Minister Tony Bourke is to be congratulated for listening and acting so decisively.”
“Most Australian states and territories have publicly supported a ban on engineered stone over the course of 2023 – the Federal Government’s decision today to impose a ban at a national level, however, will protect all Australians,” Peter Tighe said.
On the 4th April this year, the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute formally announced its new name and scope in recognition of the significant impact that dust-related diseases pose to Australians – launching its new name: the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).
With this formal announcement, the institute has expanded its team of dust disease specialists, broadened research collaborations and is developing significant research projects that will directly aim to address the burden of all dust diseases.
Earlier this year ADDRI welcomed a $5 million commitment by the NSW government to support research at ADDRI into treatment options for Silicosis. This funding will also focus on supporting silicosis patients and their families.