Breaker boys were young boys employed in coal mines during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They worked primarily in coal mines, particularly in the United States and other industrialized countries.
Their primary job was to work at the coal breakers. Coal breakers were large machines used to crush and separate coal from impurities. The breaker boys' task was to manually pick out any impurities, such as rocks, slate, or other debris, from the coal as it passed through the machinery. They had to identify and remove these impurities quickly to ensure the production of clean coal.
The work of breaker boys was extremely dangerous and physically demanding. They were often subjected to harmful dust and fumes, endured long hours, and faced the risk of injury from the heavy machinery. The job was also emotionally taxing as the boys were exposed to the hazardous working conditions at a very young age, typically between the ages of 8 to 12.
Where did breaker boys work and what types of work did they perform on the job?
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