Wheels of misfortune
Hundreds of different toxic pollutants are created by burning tyres as well as an enormous number of small particles that settle deep in the lungs
Tyre recycle workers of Gabtoli dump in Dhaka do not have a fixed work schedule. The workers unload the scrap tyres, cut and burn them for hours as they choke on the fumes from the stoves.
On average, they process 10 tonnes of tyre a day and produce 4 tonnes of oil, 1 ton of cable and 4 tonnes of rubber.
Car tyres are a major global waste problem. They can be retreated and reused but after a certain point, have to be recycled, which is a complicated procedure.
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In Bangladesh, thousands of workers are engaged in this labour. Hundreds of different toxic pollutants are created by burning tyres as well as an enormous number of small particles that settle deep in the lungs.
The workers receive a monthly salary between Tk8,000 and Tk10,000. They live and work in extreme unhealthy conditions inside the factory, because they have no fixed working hours.
The authorities did not provide any safety gear to the workers, which has exposed them to extreme health hazards, including acute respiratory malfunction.
In addition, children have been employed in these factories, who are working without any safety gear.
