Machine cutting through an engineered stone benchtop. Photo: 123rf
Engineered stone is a popular choice for benchtops in modern kitchens - it's cheaper and less porous than marble and more hard wearing than formica. However its production creates tiny dust particles that can cause silicosis - which damages lungs and can even be fatal.
As of this month, Australia has banned the manufacture of engineered stone due to the risks of silicosis lung disease. Is it time for New Zealand to follow suit?
Joining Susie are Australian health and safety specialist Jodi Goodall, and Wayne Scott, CEO of MinEx - which represents workers mining, quarrying and tunnelling.
