Seeing the picture that Harri drew today made me consider the experiences of a child growing up in 21st Century Wales compared to a child growing in the 19th Century. We like to think that things have progressed significantly since then but in some areas that need to be highlighted and addressed.

As a children growing up in the Welsh Valleys, we were often told of the man made 19th Century hells of the Iron Works and the Mines. Particularly resonant for us children were the horror stories we’d hear about the child laborers, some as young as five thrust into the perilous depths of coal mines. These children toiled for long hours in cramped and suffocating conditions, facing the constant threat of accidents, respiratory ailments, and physical exhaustion. Their small stature and nimble fingers made them ideal for tasks such as sorting coal or crawling through narrow tunnels, but they were ruthlessly exploited by the mine owners drive for increased profit. Lax regulations and minimal enforcement allowed mine owners to prioritize productivity over safety, condemning generations of children to a life of exploitation and suffering. Despite sporadic efforts by reformers and lawmakers to improve conditions

The transition from the 19th-century coal mines of Wales to the contemporary challenges faced by children living near active quarries reflects an evolution in the nature of industrial hazards, yet raises poignant questions about the adequacy of protections for vulnerable populations, particularly children. While child labor laws have significantly improved since the days of the coal mines, concerns persist regarding the safety and well-being of children growing up in the vicinity of quarries.

Fast forward to the present day, and the extraction industry continues to pose risks to children, albeit in different forms. Living near active quarries exposes children to a range of hazards, including accidents, respiratory diseases from dust inhalation, heavy traffic and environmental degradation. Despite advancements in industrial regulations and environmental standards, gaps remain in protecting children from the adverse effects of quarrying activities.

One particular passage struck me when reading the appeal document regarding the quarrying activity at CraigyrHesg Quarry.

The evidence on dust provided by the appellant is not disputed. It is common ground that dust deposition has the potential to give rise to annoyance, disamenity or nuisance, through the unacceptable effects of emissions. Deposited dust is not regulated under any specific legislative requirements and there are no UK statutory standards or recommended levels in relation to dust levels.

This is reminiscent of a bygone era where regulatory oversight was scant. The lack of clear guidelines raises concerns about the subjective interpretation of risks and the potential for prolonged exposure to harmful pollutants. The notion of “slight adverse impacts” as described in the appeal fails to adequately capture the long-term health consequences for children growing up in these environments. Respiratory diseases caused by dust inhalation, such as silicosis and lung cancer, can have debilitating effects on individuals, with symptoms often manifesting after irreversible damage has occurred.

Furthermore, the absence of specific regulations for sub-10 micron particle size dust, which poses the greatest risk to respiratory health, underscores the inadequacy of current protections. The potential for permanent disability underscores the urgency of prioritizing prevention and proactive measures to mitigate exposure to harmful pollutants.

In light of these challenges, it is imperative that regulatory frameworks are strengthened to safeguard the health and well-being of children living near quarries. This includes the establishment of statutory standards for dust levels, regular monitoring of air quality, and robust enforcement mechanisms to hold quarry operators accountable for compliance. Additionally, community engagement and empowerment are essential to ensuring that the voices of affected residents, including children, are heard in decision-making processes concerning quarrying activities.

Ultimately, the parallels between the exploitation of child labor in 19th-century coal mines and the contemporary risks faced by children living near quarries serve as a sobering reminder of the enduring struggle for social justice and human rights. By learning from the past and addressing the challenges of the present, we can strive towards a future where every child can grow up in a safe and healthy environment, free from the legacy of industrial hazards.