Silicosis is a form of lung disease caused by inhaling silica particles. The disease was seen in Australia in the 1940's to 1960's in construction and demolition workers. There has been increasing concern that the manufacture of stone kitchen benchtops is leading to a re-emergence of silicosis. In 2010, researchers identified 2,123 construction workers employed in areas where they were exposed to high levels of silica dust, while a further 2,666 construction workers were identified as not exposed. At the beginning of the study in 2010 all employees were free from silicosis. The entire study sample was reassessed again after 10 years in 2020 to establish the risk of silicosis. The findings at the 10-year assessment are provided in the table below.