Karl Hansen loved working with his hands but he never thought the job he was so passionate about would send him towards an early grave.

For 13 years, the father of five created beautiful benchtops from manufactured stone, until he received the devastating news that he needed to pack up his tools, stop work immediately and never step foot in a stone factory again.

Karl had been diagnosed with silicosis – an aggressive and incurable lung disease which is so serious, health experts are warning it is the new asbestosis. Read more: 9news.com.au