[1][2] The passage of the trains through the tunnels draws in dust and rubbish, and removing this debris is essential to maintain the safety of the Underground, as it would otherwise create a fire hazard.
Cleaning the tunnels is a heavy and dirty job, which has traditionally been a role carried out by teams of women.
[5] In 1947, a newsreel made by British Pathé captured the fluffers on film carrying carbide lamps, long brushes and scraping tools.
[6] By the mid 1990s, the fluffers were using electric torches and protective clothing, and collected the dust in plastic bags.
[8] By 2023 the teams were using vacuum cleaners and magnetic wands, and "tube dust" (particles of iron oxide, chromium, quartz and copper produced by the wheels and tracks) was becoming a health concern for train drivers.