The Australian Government has published The National Guidance for doctors assessing workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust, with specific reference to the occupational respiratory diseases associated with engineered stone.
Australia is currently facing increasing rates of silicosis which has been linked to the cutting, grinding, and polishing of engineered stone. Engineered stone is manufactured stone with a high silica content used primarily in Australia for benchtops.
The National Guidance https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ohp-dust-nat-guide-gp.htm supports GPs and medical practitioners to identify and assess people at risk of silicosis caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust and improve health outcomes for their patients.
The National Guidance has been developed by medical experts from across a range of relevant fields covering respiratory and thoracic medicine, radiology, environmental and occupational medicine, and work health and safety. It is supported and endorsed by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine as well as the Royal Australian College of Physicians, the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand, and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners are considering the National Guidance for approval as a clinical resource.
The development of the National Guidance was recommended by the National Dust Disease Taskforce in its Interim Advice and Final Report to the Minister for Health. The National Guidance and associated resources can be found on the Department of Health website.