2. Chimney Sweep
In the 1800s, chimney sweeping was an occupation fraught with danger, particularly for young boys who were often employed due to their small size. These children would climb into narrow, soot-filled chimneys, risking suffocation from the lack of oxygen and the inhalation of harmful soot particles. Burns were a common hazard as they frequently worked with hot flues. The cramped and perilous conditions led to numerous injuries and fatalities, highlighting the severe exploitation and lack of protection for child workers during this period. For more on the history of chimney sweeps, see this BBC article.
