Leading respiratory physician and silicosis expert, Dr Jonathan Burdon and occupational therapist Deidre Richards presented a seminar on the prevalence of silicosis today and the role of occupational therapy in respiratory diseases.
Silicosis is caused by the inhalation of crystalline silicon dioxide (silica) and, it is fair to say, that over the years the prevalence of silicosis in Australia has been low as a result of the use of appropriate occupational health and safety measures. However, in the early 2000s silica containing artificial stones became available in Australia and are becoming increasing popular in the manufacture of kitchen and bathroom bench tops.
Dr Jonathan Burdon wrote an article about silicosis which you can access here.