Clare Byrne

But apart from that, everything else should be done online.

Joanne, thank you very much for explaining it to us.

That's Joanne Leitch, who's head of probate at Callan Tansey Solicitors.

The Clare Byrne Show on Newstalk with Aviva Insurance.

Kitchen countertops made from quartz have become hugely popular in recent years, but now a deadly lung disease associated with toxins released when quartz is cut has led to it being banned in Australia.

California has started the process of banning it too.

And conversations around a ban have started in Britain.

So should we be concerned here about the health implications of working with courts?

I'm joined now by specialist occupational and environmental physician based in Australia, Dr. Gordon Hare and Sky News North of England correspondent Katie Barnfield.

And you're both very welcome to the programme.

Dr. Hare, I'll start with you.

I mean, this is all relates back to a condition called silicosis.

You might tell us a little bit about that and about the silica dust and what happens when you inhale it.

So silicosis, does it occur when people are working with all types of stone?

And why is it particularly bad when working with quartz?

So even if you wear all the protective gear, you know, a very high tech, high performing mask, for example, does that not work?

And silicosis, it is not curable and it's not treatable.

It's a very serious condition.

And do you believe it's only a matter of time before the EU look at banning quarts altogether?

Was there much pushback in Australia before the ban was implemented in 2024 or were people supportive of it?