Why did iron production in India stop?

Jens Nordlunde · 30th April 2005, 11:14 AM

Interesting comment Ann, I thought the same. First the European mass production of iron/steel put a great preassure on the local markets, and a bit later the weapon technology did the rest.

RhysMichael and Ian, I don't intend to say that metals like lead and mercury did not play a role, they may have, but the author does not mention it. As Ian writes these dangers were known early, and as the book was written in 1942 I guess the author would have mentioned it when writing about 'Virgin Iron'.
The pits were like on the picture, a whole in the ground, and normally not more than about two to three meters deep. A thing mentioned in the book, which seems to be more of a danger than lead and mercury was the collapse of the pit, burying the one working in the pit.

tom hyle · 30th April 2005, 12:30 PM

That's a classic example of dangerous vs harmful; driving too fast is dangerous to your health but not harmful to it; smoking vice-versa. Let's not get "smart" about exhaust fumes or burning down your house smoking in bed

Exposure to heavy metals is bad for you. Getting in a pit is harmless, unless it collapses; ;then often deadly. Living in Houston, a low-lying swampy area with mushy unstable seeming soil, I am amazed and disturbed when I often see workers in unsupported pits.

30th April 2005, 11:14 AM	#1
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Interesting comment Ann, I thought the same. First the European mass production of iron/steel put a great preassure on the local markets, and a bit later the weapon technology did the rest. RhysMichael and Ian, I don't intend to say that metals like lead and mercury did not play a role, they may have, but the author does not mention it. As Ian writes these dangers were known early, and as the book was written in 1942 I guess the author would have mentioned it when writing about 'Virgin Iron'. The pits were like on the picture, a whole in the ground, and normally not more than about two to three meters deep. A thing mentioned in the book, which seems to be more of a danger than lead and mercury was the collapse of the pit, burying the one working in the pit.

30th April 2005, 12:30 PM	#2
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	That's a classic example of dangerous vs harmful; driving too fast is dangerous to your health but not harmful to it; smoking vice-versa. Let's not get "smart" about exhaust fumes or burning down your house smoking in bed Exposure to heavy metals is bad for you. Getting in a pit is harmless, unless it collapses; ;then often deadly. Living in Houston, a low-lying swampy area with mushy unstable seeming soil, I am amazed and disturbed when I often see workers in unsupported pits.