PHOTO: Zephyr + Stone
Bunnings will cease the sale of engineered stone benchtops by the year’s end. The hardware chain plans to remove its limited range of engineered stone products from stores in New Zealand and Australia starting December 31.
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The decision stems from concerns about the association of engineered stone with silicosis, an incurable lung disease. Bunnings Merchandise Director Jen Tucker explained that the move was prompted by a report from Safe Work Australia, highlighting the health risks associated with engineered stone.
Although strict safety measures can mitigate the risk of silica dust exposure for workers handling engineered stone, not all fabricators adhere to these precautions, as initially reported in 2021. Australian state governments had signaled their intent to ban the product, leading Bunnings to proactively adjust its offerings to assist both suppliers and customers in adapting to potential regulatory changes.
Tucker stated, “Our decision to stop selling engineered stone was directly in response to the reports released and the prospect of a ban on the sale in the near future.” Bunnings is collaborating with its suppliers to manage the transition away from selling engineered stone products.
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Engineered stone, known for its durability and affordability compared to natural stone like marble and granite, contains over 90% silica. While there is no danger once the benchtop is installed, the fine respirable crystalline silica particles released during cutting, polishing, and grinding can lead to serious health issues, including kidney disease, autoimmune conditions, and silicosis.
Silicosis manifests with symptoms such as a cough, phlegm, and progressive shortness of breath. As lung scarring worsens, patients may experience abnormal chest X-rays and bronchitis-like symptoms, including a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. Weakness, fatigue, fever, night sweats, leg swelling, and bluish discoloration of the lips are additional symptoms.
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Silica dust exposure from cutting engineered stone poses a significant risk to workers, with over 500 New Zealand workers estimated to be at risk of developing accelerated silicosis. In response, a dust diseases task force was established in 2019 to provide assistance to affected workers, marking silicosis as a significant health crisis in New Zealand comparable to the impact of asbestos over the past 80 years.
SOURCE: STUFF