National Asbestos Awareness Week, running from Nov. 22 to 29, emphasises the critical role of regular health screenings for those exposed to asbestos and other hazardous dusts in the workplace.
icare Dust Disease Centre (DDC), established to provide financial and medical assistance to individuals and families affected by occupational dust diseases, is using the week to promote its services. These include subsidised screenings for workers to support workplace safety compliance and free lifetime lung checks for retirees or individuals no longer in high-risk roles.
Vanessa Stacey, a radiographer at icare DDC, highlighted the importance of early detection for conditions such as mesothelioma and silicosis, which can stem from exposure to asbestos or silica dust.
“Hazardous dusts include asbestos and silica. Once inhaled, they become trapped in the lungs and can lead to cancers like mesothelioma and other serious diseases like silicosis,” she said.
She explained that early and regular health screenings enable the centre to detect issues sooner and improve outcomes for patients.
Dust diseases can take years or even decades to develop after initial exposure. Stacey urged workers, including those who have left the industry or retired, to continue regular lung screenings.
“If you have left the industry or you have retired from work completely, it’s really important to continue your screening. Give us a call and get free screening for life,” she said.
Although some workers may hesitate to undergo screening, Stacey offered assurances that the process is straightforward and results in positive outcomes for the majority of participants.
If abnormalities are identified, DDC specialists provide follow-up care and help workers access compensation through Dust Diseases Care.
One such case is Trevor, a retired electrician, who noticed unexplained breathlessness while walking with his wife. Following medical consultation, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma linked to past asbestos exposure. His acceptance into DDC provided him with financial assistance and ongoing care.
While dust diseases remain incurable, early diagnosis can improve management and outcomes. Workers and retirees exposed to hazardous dust are encouraged to arrange screenings through icare or consult their general practitioners.
Additional information on lung health checks is available on icare’s website.
Organisations offering programs to assist people affected by dust diseases can now apply for funding through the Dust Diseases Board (DDB).
A total of $600,000 is available under the Support Organisations funding stream, targeting initiatives that provide education, wellness programs, and resources for patients and their families.
The funding is part of the DDB’s broader $3 million budget for the 2024-25 financial year, which supports research projects, PhD scholarships, and patient-focused initiatives. These grants are managed by icare’s research and education division.
Since its inception in 1983, the DDB has awarded over $13 million to research and prevention efforts aimed at reducing the impact of dust diseases. The board’s 2025-2029 strategic plan outlines objectives to address emerging patient needs and improve outcomes through targeted funding and research.
