Silica Inquiry Seeks Submissions

A Senate inquiry into exposure to toxic dust – focusing on silica – is taking submissions until August 5.

The inquiry was launched after medical experts expressed concerns about the number of workers who may have silicosis, a disease caused by exposure to silica dust.

Described as a time bomb, the symptoms of silicosis can take up to 15 years to appear in people who have breathed silica.

Exposure to silica can occur in a range of industries, but it has been particularly associated with sandblasting, which was performed without safety equipment mostly during the 1960s and 1970s.

CFMEU NSW secretary Andrew Ferguson cautiously welcomed the inquiry, but said exposure to silica is still an issue in many industries.

"In Sydney, with large scale tunnel projects cutting through sandstone and large amounts of excavation for building work, there are still thousands of workers, and even local residents, who may be at risk from silica exposure," Ferguson said.

"The Senate inquiry needs to occur immediately and the findings must be quickly acted upon, unlike many recent inquiries, to make sure silica does not become the new asbestos."

Submissions can be made to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee by email to community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au

For further information call 02 6277 3515 or visit www.aph.gov.au/senate_ca

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