In 2024, Australia will be the first country to ban engineered stone countertops.
The ban came after a years-long campaign supported by doctors, trade unions, and workers over concerns that the material was causing increased silicosis cases among workers cutting and handling it.
Health experts, trade unions, and governments in other countries have taken note of the Australian ban and may follow suit by advocating for bans of the popular material.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions is working on the issue with its U.S. counterpart, the American Federation of Labor.
The largest U.S. study on health impacts of engineered stone found silicosis caused the deaths of several stonemasons in California since the first case arose in Texas in 2015.
Between 2010 and 2018, fewer than five cases were reported each year in California. In 2022, the number of cases jumped to 20.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 16, 2021
Inconsistent building codes make some states more vulnerable to hurricanes
Florida takes top spot for strongest building code in latest IBHS survey.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2021
Growing housing supply gap will worsen affordability crisis
Supply projected to fall 4.5 million units short in 2022.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2021
Florida will allow virtual inspections, building code enforcement, permit issuance
New law will go into effect on July 1, 2021.
Codes and Standards | Jun 10, 2021
New York City cracks down on construction site safety
Buildings Dept. issues new safety legislation for City Council consideration.
Codes and Standards | Jun 9, 2021
ASHRAE updates health care facility ventilation standard
Includes improved guidance on thermal comfort, revisions to air filtration requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2021
American Wood Council releases new fire design specification
For design of wood members, assemblies, and connections to meet code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2021
Guide provides strategies to overcome barriers to sustainable affordable housing
International Living Future Institute document helps with social, regulatory, and financial hurdles.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2021
Conversion of large office buildings to residential will require revamped regulations
Post-1960 offices present ventilation, daylighting, and other challenges.
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2021
Dept. of Energy releases EnergyPlus and OpenStudio updates
New features include Python Plugin features and additional tabular reporting options.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Federal plan to double Canadian lumber tariffs draws intense criticism
Builders advised to stock up to deal with shortages.