Fashion companies and factory owners, whether knowingly or unknowingly, have put garment workers at deadly risks by using a technique to 'distress' denim to get worn or faded patches on jeans, jackets and other products, according to campaigners.
Sandblasting is a technique that can cause silicosis, a non-curable and potentially fatal lung disease. Workers employed in sandblasting workshops in Turkey, for example, have been reported to have developed silicosis by breathing in silica dust, a mineral that is contained in the sand used in the process. Silicosis can become fatal within 6 months to 2 years of exposure.
The campaign group Labour Behind the Label (the UK platform of the Clean Clothes Campaign) are calling for a global end to the use of sandblasting in denim production.
Levi Strauss, H&M, C&A and Zara amongst other fashion brands have banned sandblasting in their supply chains. Many brands, however, including D&G, River Island, ASDA George and Armani, have yet to commit to banning sandblasting, according to campaigners. Labour Behind the Label recently released a report outlining - to date - action taken by companies on this issue.
TAKE ACTION
Ask the killer question. Become a fan of D&G, Diesel and Armani on facebook and post questions on their fan pages about Killer Jeans. You could ask, 'I've heard that you distress the denim in your jeans using a practice which leads to fatal lung disease for workers. Is this true?'. Post a link to Killer Jeans.
Send a letter to retailers who haven't yet committed to banning sandblasting demanding a ban with immediate effect to save the lives of workers.
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