In Surat, a major textile city in India, factory workers face serious health risks from extreme heat. They spend long hours near heavy machines that produce steam and radiate heat. Soni Pande, a 27-year-old worker, described what it is like to work in the factory. "The heat does make us weak. We sweat a lot. Some people feel dizzy," she said. "There are fans and coolers, but it's still so hot inside."

Surat produces millions of meters of polyester cloth, which is shipped to textile companies worldwide. Climate change has contributed to rising temperatures and longer summers in the city. A 2022 report by the World Bank, an international financial organization, estimated that about 380 million workers are affected by heat. That is roughly 75% of India's workforce.

Pooja Yadav of WRI India, a research organization focused on sustainable development, explained that heat and humidity can create dangerous conditions indoors. Inside factories, workers are exposed to hot air and chemical fumes, which can cause headaches and dehydration during long shifts.

WRI India recommends installing ventilation systems and keeping machines cooler. One company spent about $5,300 on cooling systems. It also used plant-based bags to cover machines and reduce heat. However, Yadav noted that most Surat factories still rely only on fans. She added that government officials need to include industrial areas in their plans to protect people from heat.