Major concerns are growing in the construction sector in Ireland about the dangers post by silica dust (a by-product of many vital materials in construction). Prolonged exposure can lead to a condition called Silicosis, a dangerous disease which causes lungs to swell and harden. It's been highlighted in other countries but so far, it's been little-talked about here in Ireland. Recently, on 'Deise Today' we've been made aware that those in the construction industry are now being briefed on it more and more as worries grow about the hrealth effects on workers, over many years of exposure, of what some are calling the "new asbestos". We contacted the Building And Alliend Trades Union (BATU) about the issue and this morning, their deputy general secretary Andy Smith, spoke to Damien on the programme. You can listen back to their conversation by clicking on the image above...