Toxic kiln smoke in Dharavi puts potters' health at serious risk
In Dharavi's Kumbharwada, potters often burn scrap cotton and leather pieces, cheaper alternatives to coal to fire their traditional bhattis. These materials are cheaper but release thick, toxic smoke. Kilns are built in tightly packed residential spaces with poor ventilation, exposing artisans to harmful smoke and fumes daily leading to asthma, lung infections, and long-term respiratory damage.