Work was dangerous and they could get jammed in the flue, suffocate or burn to death . As soot is carcinogenic, and as the boys slept under the soot sacks and were rarely washed, they were prone to chimney sweeps’ carcinoma.
What are the dangers of being a chimney sweep?
- Respiratory Hazards. Soot and smoke inhalation can cause respiratory distress, illnesses, and infection can be a result of soot inhalation.
- Skin Irritation. Physical contact with creosote can cause rash, other skin issues, and infection.
- Eye Damage.
Why was being a chimney sweep such a dangerous job in 1800?
A Victorian Child Chimney Sweep may have been the most dangerous job for children in the 1800’s, especially when the child first started doing the job. Being sent down the chimney the first several times would cause the child’s arms, elbows, legs and knees to be rubbed and scraped raw .
Can chimney soot cause health problems?
Like creosote, if chimney soot is inhaled in great enough amounts, it has the potential to either irritate the lungs or cause lung diseases . Respiratory Risks. In conjunction with lung problems, general respiratory infections may crop up due to soot inhalation.
Did children really clean chimneys?
Master Sweeps would buy young children from orphanages and take in young homeless children from the streets. These were between the ages of 5 and 10, although most were under the age of seven, and some were even as young as four. These boys were used to climb up chimneys to clean out deposits of soot.
How much did a child chimney sweep get paid?
From 1773, master chimney sweeps regularly kept anywhere from 2 to 20 children, depending on how many they could use for their business. For each child, the master sweep was paid 3-4 pounds by the government when the apprenticeship agreement was signed.
What was life like for a chimney sweep?
The living conditions of the chimney sweeps offered them no relief. They were usually barely fed and slept in basements , covering themselves with the filthy soot sacks they worked with. The boys rarely bathed and were frequently sickly.
Which period did chimney sweeps started to become common?
By the eighteenth century the use of child chimney sweeps was commonplace, however the use of the chimney in Britain dates back much further. As far back as 1200 the construction of the chimney began to replace the previous reliance on an open fire.
What did chimney sweeps use to clean chimneys?
A chimney sweep is a person who clears ash and soot from chimneys. The chimney uses the pressure difference caused by a hot column of gas to create a draught and draw air over the hot coals or wood enabling continued combustion. Chimneys may be straight or contain many changes of direction.
Why are chimney sweeps lucky?
Tradition has it that 200 years ago, a chimney sweep saved the life of King George II by stopping his runaway horse and carriage . ... So started the tradition and because sweeps are lucky, couples would arrange to meet the sweep at their Wedding.
Can breathing in soot hurt you?
Soot can enter your body through inhalation, ingestion or via the skin and eyes. These toxic particles can cause breathing issues , including asthma, bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and even cancer. Infants, the elderly, and those who already have breathing problems are the most affected.
What to do if you breathe in soot?
- Get plenty of rest and sleep. ...
- Suck on cough drops or hard candy to soothe a dry or sore throat. ...
- Take cough medicine if your doctor tells you to.
- Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. ...
- Avoid things that may irritate your lungs.
Is creosote bad to breathe in?
According to the National Institutes of Health, breathing creosote fumes can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract , which can cause coughing and shortness of breath. People exposed to creosote emissions also have experienced skin irritations that include redness, burning sensations, and rashes.
Is it illegal to deny a chimney sweep in Germany?
Yes, it’s actually illegal to refuse entry to a chimney sweep if he or she wants to come into your home . ... All Germans pay for this service, regardless if they have a chimney or not. This is an old law from the Middle Ages that was bolstered by the Third Reich.
How often should you sweep your chimney?
How often should I have my chimney swept? This a tougher question than it sounds. The simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.
How much should a chimney sweep cost?
According to more than 16,000 nationwide homeowners, the average chimney sweep cost is $252 . The typical chimney cleaning cost is between $129 and $378. Wood fireplaces that receive regular maintenance price $85 to $100 per cleaning. Those with build-up from years of neglect could total as much as $800.
