Academic Study Details 1930s Silicosis Disaster at Gauley Bridge
What happened
A professor from the University of Connecticut studied the disaster that occurred at Gauley Bridge during the construction of the Hawk's Nest dam in the 1930s. Hundreds of laborers died from silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling pulverized silicon dioxide dust. The dust was extracted while workers carved a tunnel through a mountain for the dam project.
From popularmechanics.com
Why it matters
The research highlights that silicosis prevention was understood, but tunnel workers received no protection. The disaster involved the extraction of silicon dioxide, a compound important for smelting. The study notes that legal limits, missing archives, and racist attacks helped shield the companies from accountability.
From popularmechanics.com
Who's involved
- University of ConnecticutConducted academic research regarding the disaster at Gauley Bridge.
- Gauley BridgeLocation of the 1930s tunnel and hydroelectric dam construction disaster.
- Tufts UniversityMay benefit from the historical case study of severe air pollution.
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The entities involved
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University of Connecticut
public research university in Storrs, Connecticut, United States
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