Australia becomes first country to ban engineered stone

Australia has become the first country to ban engineered stone after a rise in workers developing a lung disease.

The first such global ban, the move comes after many workers developed silicosis, a lung disease, from working on engineered stone.

Engineered stone has been a very popular material over the last two decades and is primarily used for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities.

The ban comes into effect from July 1, 2024.

The Australian government is also expected to impose a ban on imported engineered stone, but the date for that has not been notified yet.