Inside Pakistan’s gutters: The hidden dangers sanitation workers face

From toxic fumes to life-threatening injuries, sanitation workers recount the dangers of every descent into the gutter. Their stories reveal a daily routine dominated by heat, chemicals, and constant exposure to hazardous waste.

Despite the physical toll and recurring illnesses, many continue working without protection or recognition. These accounts expose a glaring gap in safety standards and the human cost of maintaining urban systems.

As their voices emerge, questions about accountability and worker welfare become increasingly urgent.