By Anadolu staff
ANKARA (AA) – Australia became the first country to ban the engineered stone following reports of a surge in lung disease silicosis among workers developing the stones, local media reported on Wednesday.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Commonwealth, state, and territory workplace ministers, according to ABC News.
The ban will take effect in July next year.
"Engineered stone is a fashion product that is killing the workers who make it," the broadcaster quoted Assistant Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions Liam O'Brien as saying.
"With alternatives readily available, why are we risking the lives of tradies for a fashionable finish in our kitchens?" Brien pointed out.
The production of engineered stone in Australia continued in the 2000s, with the first case of silicosis problem linked to working on engineered stone reported in 2015. Since then, hundreds of cases have emerged in the country, according to the broadcaster.
*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid