“In the small factories studied, most of the water-borne system toilets were of the squatting variety. This observation was gratifying, as it is not sensible to provide the Western or sitting type of toilet in the small factory, especially in Singapore or other parts of the East. There is greater danger of cross-infection in the usage of such toilets. Most Eastern users, moreover, would squat on the toilet seats, and dirty them with their shoes. It is also more difficult to clean such toilets if soiled. The squatting type of toilet, on the other hand, could be scrubbed or washed more easily.”¹

“Besides their fear of spirits residing in the water tank, an unaccustomed body posture is required to use the toilet. In their hurry to depart, unflushed toilets and soiled sanitary napkins, thrown helter-skelter, offend spirits who may attack them.”²

“Many of the complaints have a large psychogenic causative component. Some complaints of headache are very likely associated with neck ache and backache due to bad sitting posture. The work environment, though generally satisfactory from the point of view of lighting, ventilation, and such physical factors, tends to be boring. Interpersonal relationships between workers or with supervisors and management may loom in the minds of workers with exaggerated importance, and psychogenic maladies are bound to appear, reflecting unsatisfactory morale.”⁴

“Although management pointed to physiological problems as causing spirit attacks, they seldom acknowledged deeper scientific evidence of health hazards in microchip assembly plants. These include the rapid deterioration of eyesight caused by the prolonged use of microscopes in bonding processes. General exposure to strong solvents, acids, and fumes induced headaches, nausea, dizziness, and skin irritation in workers.”⁵

“More toxic substances used for cleaning purposes exposed workers to lead poisoning, kidney failure, and breast cancer (Federation of Women Lawyers 1983:16). Other materials used in the fabrication of computer chips have been linked to female workers' painful menstruation, their inability to conceive, and repeated miscarriages (Business Times [Asia], 9 October 1982:19; San Francisco Chronicle, 14 January 1987:23, 27). Within the plants, unhappy-looking workers were urged to talk over their problems with the "industrial relations assistant." Complaints of "pain in the chest" were interpreted to mean emotional distress, and the worker was ushered into the clinic for medication in order to maintain discipline and a relentless work schedule.”⁶

“The point is not to say, as many radical critics have said, that "capitalism is bad for your health." Rather, the study of health requires a search for the structures that mediate between the macro-level dynamics of capital accumulation and the micro-level functions of workers' bodies. These mediating structures lie in diverse spheres of life -- labor process, family, community, and cultures. It is through the interaction of these diverse factors -- and their conjuncture being historically specific -- that health and illness are socially produced.”⁷

“When work areas are examined, some distinct patterns emerge. Workers in the assembly area and workers who are in the leader and QC (quality control) categories are more likely to have eye complaints. Workers in the end-of-line and test sections are more likely to complain of musculoskeletal problems. Workers in end-of-line and leader/QC are more likely to have nose, throat, and skin complaints.”⁸

“Among those reporting menstrual problems, pain and irregularity were the problems most frequently reported. Of the pregnancy problems, those exposed to chemicals mostly reported miscarriages, while infertility problems were divided between those exposed to microscopes and those with no exposures. The reported offspring problems were mostly premature births. Only married women are included in the analyses of workers reporting pregnancy and childbirth problems.”⁹