They had a high incidence of skin and respiratory problems. No protective clothing was provided for the workers. 6 Some of the worst forms of child labor in Tanzania were found on these plantations where children are exposed to chemicals, machinery, long working hours, and hard physical work. There are also dated reports of children working under conditions of bonded labor on commercial plantations. 9 Tanzania exports cut and uncut gemstones to the United States.
Further investigation is needed.
Cotton Ginneries Cotton is one of Tanzania's leading exports. 10 Children reportedly work in cotton ginneries where they often sit in cramped positions for 11 to 12 hours feeding the machines. Children are forbidden from working in any occupations which are dangerous or injurious to their health as well as in many industrial occupations. Given the low basic minimum age of 12 and the numerous loopholes for industrial work, Tanzania's child labor laws fall short of international standards. The Ministry of Labor and Youth Development is charged with enforcing child labor laws in Tanzania.