At least 17 people died and dozens more suffered injuries following an explosion...at the Gadani ship breaking yard in Pakistan. Over 200 employees were working on stripping down an unused oil tanker when the incident occurred at Gadani, one of the largest ship breaking yards in the world...The tragedy marks the single worst accident in ship breaking history ever reported, but the industry is not exactly one that prioritizes worker safety, as explosions, falls and other hazards threaten laborers' lives every day, as Nicola Mulinaris with the NGO Shipbreaking Platform...explains...Explosions and falls that injure or kill workers are also common in the industry. Protective gear, such as breathing masks to prevent workers from toxic fumes, and adequate training are not common in the industry...Over the long term, the exposure to toxic fumes, hazardous materials and unhealthy working and living conditions as a result of the job increase the risks of both debilitating and fatal health conditions, such as cancer or asbestosis — lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos.