The Silent Killer: Agate Workers in Khambhat (Gujarat) Fight Against silicosis

Khambhat region has gained notoriety for a large number of deaths of agate workers due to silicosis. In India, estimated 3 million workers employed in various types of mines, stone industries, construction sites and so on are occupationally exposed to silica dust and are in extreme danger of being severely affected by silicosis. In this research paper, I showed that most of the agate workers are friend and relatives of the owners of the units. On average, a household unit is composed of 10 to 12 workers. some large units have 30-40 workers who dry, cut grind and polish gemstones that are exported to international market in the Us and Europe. In khambhat, the Process of grinding and polishing of agate is very primitive. The grinding machines are simple devices powered by electric motors which are highly noisy and throw up lots of dust. Agate stone grinders work with bare hands, without any Protective gear and are directly exposed to silica dust arising from cutting, grinding and polishing stones. Significantly large number agate workers in khambhat are treated as family members by their employers. Government officials complain that the owners give wrong information about workers status.