46 workers die of silicosis in three years

Silicosis, an incurable disease caused by silica dust, has taken the lives of 46 workers in the last three years in 25 limestone grinding factories at Burimari land port area of Patgram upazila under the district. The workers do not have any protective equipment, especially face masks, to prevent the disease. Many of them are affected by this disease, and some are now under treatment.

A dense fog of white dust, produced while crushing limestone, hangs in the air in and around the factories. The dust makes the workers look like white apparitions. Except for the workers' bloodshot eyes, everything else about them is white, workers said.

Mohor Ali, 52, a worker from Ufarmara village of the upazila, said he was affected with lung disease six months ago after working for five years in the limestone grinding factory. "I am still working in the factory though it is bad for me as I have no alternative option for earning," he added.

Soleman Miah, 55, a worker from Islampur village of the upazila, said limestone factory workers have been risking their lives due to direct exposure to silica dust, as they have no other means of making a living. "I know exposure to silica dust, which is commonly present in limestone, can cause silicosis within a few months," he said.

Safar Uddin, president of Burimari land port Sramik Union, said 46 workers have died of silicosis disease in the last three years, and at least 30 workers have been affected with this disease. They are now under the treatment but their condition has become worse, he said. "Workers toil from dawn to dusk for a daily wage of Tk 350 to Tk 400 for producing lime powder to be used as poultry feed," he said.

Dr Abdus Samad, civil surgeon of Lalmonirhat, said "The disease is called 'simple silicosis' at the primary stage and if the patient refrains from further exposure, the disease does not get worse." "However, if the disease gets to the next stage, the patient's condition worsens gradually," he said, adding that workers should wear face masks to prevent silicosis.

Liton Miah, 35, a labourer, said "The factory owners provide us normal face masks, but we do not use them because they are ineffective. But we do not have the ability to purchase best quality masks."

Zahurul Islam, manager of a limestone grinding factory, said they provide good quality face masks. Some workers use these masks but some others don't, saying it makes them feel hot.

If factory owners ensure safety measures, especially best quality face masks, the workers could be protected against silicosis, workers said.