The hard earned money is often spent in dealing with the consequences of unsafe working conditions — 23 per cent of the workers report chronic bronchitis. Photos by Vikas Choudhary/CSE
Pollution

Firozabad’s famous glass bangle industry continues to attract infamy for poor working conditions

There are as many as half a million workers employed over 100 bangle-making factories across Firozabad

Vikas Choudhary

While its ability to cater to India’s seemingly unending demand for choori — glass bangles which are a staple accessory among Indian women — has earned plaudits, the condition of work safety Firozabad’s factories continue to disappoint health experts.

Lack of safety gear means that the workers are exposed to a daily risk of injuries from broken pieces of glass along with a perennial exposure to toxic fumes emanating from furnaces.

The bangle makers are paid anywhere between Rs 400 to Rs 500 for a day's work.

The dyes used in colouring the glass used for making bangles contain toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium and mercury. When such toxic chemcials are exposed to temperatures above 1000 degrees celsius, the fumes endanger the health of every worker in the factory.

Women are mostly employed for separating the defected pieces in a heap of manufactured bangles.