According to National Geographic, many of them are unable to purchase protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, or choose not to use them because they simply make work difficult.
One possible reason the mine is still open is tourism. While at night tourists go to the site to see the blue flames, during the day they go up to enjoy the view — and also watch the miners work.
Short-term exposure to highly concentrated levels of sulfur dioxide can be deadly, and chronic exposure can lead to breathing difficulties, airway obstructions and impaired lung function.
What happened
Woman fell 75 meters. Huang Lihong, 31, fell into the Ijen volcano while positioning himself to take a photo. She reportedly tripped over the clothing she was wearing — it’s unclear whether it was a skirt or dress.
Tour guide says he warned of dangerous spots. He told the police that the woman was about three meters from the edge of the volcano, but decided to go as close to the crater as possible, despite his instructions.
