Surat: Thousands of agate stone cutters and polishers in Khambhat and nearby areas will be covered under the project taken up by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) to combat the rise of silicosis, the debilitating and fatal disease that results from inhalation of silica dust released during cutting of gems.

The AGTA has secured initial funding and a pilot project is planned for select facilities in India, including Jaipur and Khambhat.

“Workplace silicosis is not unique to the jewellery industry,” said AGTA CEO Douglas Hucker in a statement to JCK magazine. Read more

Courtesy: The Times of India