Women in this burgeoning sector have been subject to an alarming and dizzying number of new processes and materials, some toxic, some not. Local owners tend to purchase cheaper and more toxic products to increase profits. For instance, fabric dyes and glues from other industrialising countries such as China are not only toxic but poorly labeled, so that workers can be unaware of necessary health and safety measures. In addition, women more than men tend to be denied literacy, so most of the mainstream forms of information are not in fact available to women. Many women in the Majority World already have poor health profiles, suffering anemia, chronic chest infections, worm infestations or gynecological disturbances.
Occupational factors can exaggerate or add to existing illness.
In addition, women are the bearers of children. The very state of pregnancy can, through increasing respiratory rates, increase the intake of dangerous fumes. Women s bodies become more vulnerable to physical loads and of course their baby is also vulnerable to workplace hazards, particularly radiation and certain sorts of chemicals. To save money and reduce personal risk, women often live within the factory compound or in a nearby neighborhood. They are therefore susceptible to double exposure if hazards are not controlled in the workplace.