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Quarryman drilling, Penyrorsedd Slate Quarry, North Wales
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Quarryman drilling, Penyrorsedd Slate Quarry, North Wales
A quarryman drilling into the rock at Penyrorsedd Slate Quarry, Nantlle Valley, Caernarvonshire (now Gwynedd), North Wales. The silica dust in the air is lethal, giving rise to silicosis, an incurable respiratory disease affecting most slate quarry workers in middle age
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Media ID 4471891
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10425126
Age D Caernarvonshire Conditions Deadly Disease Drilling Dust Fatal Gwynedd Health Lethal Mine Mining Nantlle Penyrorsedd Quarry Quarrying Quarryman Respiratory Rising Safety Silica Slate Work Men Incurable Silicosis
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "The Perilous Pursuit of Slate: A Quarryman's Life in Penyrorsedd, North Wales" Amid the rugged landscape of Penyrorsedd Slate Quarry in the Nantlle Valley, Caernarvonshire (now Gwynedd), Wales, a quarryman diligently drills into the rock face. The quarry, nestled in the heart of the Welsh mountains, has been a significant source of livelihood for generations, yet it holds a dark secret. The silica dust that permeates the air, an unavoidable byproduct of the quarrying process, is lethal. This invisible enemy, suspended in the air like a spectral shroud, gives rise to silicosis, an incurable respiratory disease that claimed the health and lives of countless quarry workers in middle age. The quarryman, his face obscured by a cap and mask, is a testament to the harsh realities of industrial labor in the late 19th or early 20th century. The class divide is palpable, as he toils away in the relentless pursuit of the valuable slate that lies beneath the earth. The quarry, a symbol of the region's rich industrial heritage, was once a thriving hub of activity, with men like this one working tirelessly to extract the precious stone. Yet, the price of progress was steep. The deadly silica dust, which rose like a deadly fog, was an ever-present danger. The workers, many of whom began their labor as young men, were often diagnosed with silicosis in their middle age. This insidious disease, which attacks the lungs, left them with a debilitating cough, shortness of breath, and a gradual decline in health. Despite the risks, they continued to work, driven by necessity and the promise of a meager wage. This poignant image serves as a stark reminder of the harsh conditions endured by quarry workers in Penyrorsedd and throughout Wales. The legacy of their sacrifices can still be seen in the landscape today, as the quarry, now a relic of the past, stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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