From the Nominator

With each breath, brick workers in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley inhale dangerous particulates.  From hazardous materials released during the brick-making process to woodsmoke from traditional indoor cooking, air pollution in the region is inescapable. Concerned about the effects of these toxins, an interdisciplinary Brigham Young University (BYU) team recently came together on a fact-finding mission in Nepal, aiming to measure brick workers’ exposure to pollutants and to assess their respiratory health. The eventual goal is to determine what information, technology and strategies they can share with the Nepali people to help them improve their well-being. BYU faculty and students in nutrition, dietetics, and food sciences performed intakes on the 50 or so brick workers that participated in the study, examining their vitals, diet, and mental health. The nursing team collected saliva and blood samples and used a novel method of pulmonary ultrasound to look for markers of inflammation in the lungs. The public health group fitted the workers with 24-hour vests to monitor exposure to PM 2.5, silica, and general dust. I traveled with this team to document the working conditions at the brick factory and showcase the BYU team's efforts to assess the overall health of the migrant workers at the brick factory. Our coverage helped highlight this important work and secure ongoing funding for this team to return to Nepal to help improve the working and living conditions of the migrant workers.

From the Judges

"The Brick Factory" captures the global impact of student research in an unexpected community. The series tells a compelling story through interesting framing and lines, with each photo standing strong on its own while also complementing the overall narrative. The geographic quality of the images enhances the sense of place and context, making the story even more engaging. This project is distinctive due to the in-depth documentation over a full week, allowing for authentic storytelling that highlights the dedication and creativity of the interdisciplinary BYU team working to improve the well-being of brick workers in Nepal.