Health and Hygiene in Fibre Production
The production of wool and silk involves various processes that may pose health risks to workers and raise ethical concerns regarding animal welfare.
1. Occupational Hazards in Wool and Silk Production
A. Wool Production
Workers in the wool industry face several health risks, including:
Respiratory Issues – Inhalation of wool dust can cause lung diseases like Wool Sorter’s Disease (a form of anthrax).
Skin Allergies and Infections – Handling raw wool may cause rashes and infections.
Injuries – Workers may suffer cuts during shearing or from handling machinery.
Chemical Exposure – The scouring and dyeing processes involve chemicals that can harm the skin and lungs.
B. Silk Production
Silk industry workers also face challenges such as:
Exposure to Boiling Water and Steam – During silk reeling, workers handle hot water, increasing the risk of burns.
Repetitive Strain Injuries – Continuous hand movements in silk weaving can lead to muscle strain.
Chemical Exposure – Silk processing involves dyes and chemicals that may cause allergies and respiratory problems.
2. Animal Care and Ethical Concerns
A. Ethical Issues in Wool Production
Mulesing of Sheep – A painful procedure to prevent fly infestations in sheep, often criticized for animal cruelty.
Over-shearing – If done improperly, shearing can cause injuries and stress to sheep.
Living Conditions – Sheep in large farms may suffer from overcrowding and poor nutrition.
B. Ethical Issues in Silk Production
Killing of Silkworms – In traditional silk production, silkworms are boiled alive in their cocoons to extract silk. This has raised concerns about animal cruelty.
Alternative Silk (Ahimsa Silk) – Also known as peace silk, this method allows silkworms to complete their life cycle before extracting silk.
Promoting Ethical Practices
Using sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives like organic wool and Ahimsa silk.
Improving working conditions by providing protective gear and better hygiene facilities.
Encouraging animal-friendly farming practices to reduce stress and injuries.