PRESS RELEASE: SUPPORT NETWORK LAUNCHED ON THE GOLD COAST FOR SILICOSIS SUFFERERS

Queensland’s first support network for silicosis sufferers will be launched on the Gold Coast on Saturday June 22.
Silicosis is a disease which leading health professionals have warned could be the 21st century’s asbestosis.
Already for than 130 Queenslanders, many of them on the Gold Coast, have been diagnosed with the potentially fatal disease. Of these more than 20 – including one man of just 22 years old – have been diagnosed with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), which is a death sentence.
The Silicosis Support Network, an offshoot of the long-established Asbestos Disease Support Society, is Queensland’s only support group aiming to help suffers of silicosis, as well as their families and carers.
ADSS General Manager Trevor Torrens described silicosis as “an epidemic”, and one that posed a grave risk to the thousands of workers in the manufacturing and the construction industries, especially those working with engineered stone (as used in kitchen benchtops, vanity units and the like). “All they did was turn up to work to earn a living and now many do not know what the future holds” Mr Torrens said.
The support group launch will be attended by leading radiologist and silicosis expert Dr Richard Slaughter, as well as network support staff and a qualified social worker.
Details of the Launch
Date: Saturday 22 June
Time: 11am to 12.30pm
Venue: Currumbin RSL

Further Information: Trevor Torrens M 0435 895 928

The Silicosis Support Network is the registered business name of the Asbestos Disease Support Society, a registered charity.