The lack of available and accessible information about the risks of working with engineered stone is also problematic . Importers , manufacturers and suppliers have failed to provide end users with comprehensive up to date health-based data and evidence on the risks of RCS in relation to engineered stone .
The National Dust Disease Taskforce noted that “… every case of silicosis affecting a stone benchtop worker is evidence that businesses , industry and governments need to do more to recognise and control the risks of working with engineered stone " ( Department of Health 2021 ).
2.2 Engineered stone – unique hazards
Engineered stone has been available in Australia since the late 1990s . It is an artificial product that contains high levels of crystalline silica ( up to 90 % by weight ) along with other minerals , resins and pigments .
The composite nature of engineered stone materials makes the emissions produced during processing of these products different from those produced when processing natural stone ( e . g . granite and marble ).
To inform this Decision RIS , the Agency commissioned the University of Adelaide to undertake a review and critical analysis of available evidence of the specific hazards associated with engineered stone .
The review highlights the unique hazards associated with engineered stone that have likely contributed to the high rates of silicosis in engineered stone workers .
2.2.1 Material science of engineered stone
The available scientific literature shows that processing engineered stone products with a high crystalline silica content generates much higher RCS compared to natural stone ( Ramkissoon , C , et al . 2022 ) ( Carrieri , et al . 2020 ) ( Hall , et al . 2022 ) ( Thompson and Qi 2023 ). Cutting engineered stone generates high concentrations of RCS , and personal air monitoring has shown common tasks involved in engineered stone fabrication can expose workers to RCS at levels well above the current WES ( 0.05 mg / m 3 8-hour TWA ) if effective controls are not in place . High levels of airborne RCS have been detected in all areas of an engineered stone fabrication workshop , including areas that were not used for processing of engineered stone ( Jennings 2021 ).
Processing engineered stone materials can produce higher levels of ultrafine particles (< 0.1 µ m ) compared to natural stone materials ( Carrieri , et al . 2020 ) ( Ophir , et al . 2019 ). Particles in this size range are more easily able to penetrate deep into the lungs leading to inflammatory responses and are associated with effects beyond the respiratory system such as autoimmune disease . The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists ( AIOH ) highlighted in their consultation submission that the emission of ultrafine particles is of high significance for a range of reasons , include an increased ability to stay airborne , the larger number of overall particles , the larger available reactive surface area and potential for increased toxicity .
There is also evidence the dust generated from engineered stone differs in terms of the forms of crystalline silica present , surface characteristics , resin and elemental composition and particle size distribution , all of which may influence its reactivity ( Pavan , Polimeni , et al . 2016 ) ( Ramkissoon , C , et al . 2022 ) ( León-Jiménez , et al . 2021 ) ( Hall , et al . 2022 ) ( Ramkissoon , et al . 2023 ). The different polymorphs identified in engineered stone dust , primarily quartz and cristobalite , may influence their reactivity , compared to natural stone which contains mostly quartz .
In addition to contributing to the creation of volatile organic compounds when processed ; the presence of resin in engineered stone may influence the risk associated with RCS exposure by coating the reactive
DECISION REGULATION IMPACT STATEMENT Prohibition on the use of engineered stone Page 15 of 107