Chimney sweeping was also one of the more difficult, hazardous, and low paying occupations of the time. Buckingham Palace had one flue with 15 angles, with the flue narrowing to 9in by 9in. The flues were made narrow to create a better draught. Buildings were higher and the new chimneys tops were grouped together and the routes of flues from individual grates could involve two or more right angles and horizontal angled and vertical sections. Over the years as the urban population grew, the number of houses with chimneys grew and the chimney sweep became a much sought after service provider. From about 1775 onwards there was an increasing concern for the wellbeing of these young lads, and Acts of Parliament were passed to restrict, and in 1875, stop this usage. Also, the soot they had to clear away was a potent carcinogen, and as the boys slept under the soot sacks and were hardly ever washed, they were prone to what became known as Chimney Sweeps Cancer. The work they done was very dangerous and they could get stuck in the flue, suffocate or be burned to death. Boys as young as four years old climbed up the hot flues that could be as narrow as 9 inches square. These apprentices were usually boys from the local workhouses or children that were bought from their parents and trained to climb the chimneys. In the United Kingdom, the master sweeps usually took apprentices. This job was historically done by the master sweep. The chimney must be swept regularly to remove the soot. The creosote can also catch fire, setting the chimney and the building alight. During the normal operation of the fire below, a layer of creosote tends to build up on the inside of the chimney, this can restrict the flow of the gasses that are trying to escape. Chimneys may be straight or contain several changes of direction. A chimney sweep is a person who clears away the ash and soot from chimneys.
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