Among the trades mentioned in the rabbinic sources, a common one was dyeing. When Jews were dyeing during the Talmudic period, naturally, dyeing materials included nut husks, pomegranates, safflower, madder and woad (Shab 89b mishnah; 68a). Dye ingredients were boiled in a cauldron, a process that can emit much smoke and odor. [1] In 13th Cent. Egypt, a Jew told of his complaint with a neighbor (Responsa Rabbi Avraham, son of Rambam #101):
I am your neighbor and you are ruining my life in my own house, because in your house you have made a cloth-deying pit… I am unable to live until you remove this damage from me and get rid of this dye-shop and do do away with this fire… Damages accrue to me from all sides, and I am unable to spread out a cloth, whether of flax or wool, without the smoke ruining it. …
With industrialization, the dye industry began generating more toxic pollution and, as a result, occupational illnesses. For instance, aniline dyes led to bladder cancer among workers, including a localized epidemic among DuPont workers (1895 Rehn, 1988 Michaels). Toxic substances used in dyeing include benzene, mercury, other metals (e.g., chromium), several carcinogens, and synthetic solvents.
Last Thursday, I was reminded personally that solvents also cause problems when used in residential areas. Too much indoor air pollution, and your home can become unlivable and make you sick. I’m fine now but it’s a potent reminder of what many industrial and construction workers experience on a regular basis.
Kaspit כספית
[1] Dyeing also at mishnah Shab 17b (and 18b), mishnah Bava Batra 2:3, etc. SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) codes 2865, 2816, etc. Responsum source and quote: “Air pollution: smoke and odor damage” by R. Meir Sichel, Jewish Law Annual v.5., p.31.
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