Two more silicosis-affected workers die at Burimari

Two more limestone crushing workers in Burimari land port area of Patgram upazila under Lalmonirhat died of silicosis in last two days.

At least 40 limestone crushing labourers in the area died of the incurable lung disease in last four years and many others have been affected, locals said. 

Of the two deceased, Abdur Rashid, 42, of Bamadal village in Burimari union in Patgram upazila died at Rangpur Medical College Hospital yesterday while Bakul Miah alias Mukta, 38, of the same village died at his home on Wednesday.

"The two dead limestone crushing labourers, both members of our organisation, were suffering from silicosis for the last two years, and they died finally. They could not get proper treatment due to monetary problem," said Maniruzzaman Manir, general secretary of Lalmonirhat district unit of Sangjukta Sramik Federation.

Despite the disease, the two labourers continued the risky job as they had no alternative to earn, family members said.

Dr Mostafa Kamal, civil surgeon of Lalmonirhat, said the disease develops as 'simple silicosis' at the primary stage and if the patient refrains from further exposure to silica dust, it does not get worse. But continuous exposure virtually leads the patient to death.

"Wearing protective devices like safety mask while working in the limestone crushing factories can save the labourers from this disease. We will conduct a campaign regarding the matter soon," he said. 

Over a thousand limestone crushing labourers working at 26 factories in Burimari land port area are under risk due to direct exposure to silica dust that can cause silicosis within a few months, said the stakeholders, adding that labourers, mostly young men, work from dawn to dusk for Tk 300 to Tk 350 daily to make lime powder to be used as poultry feed.

Asked about the responsibility of providing safety masks for workers, several limestone crushing factory owners declined to talk on it.