Levi’s and H&M ban sandblasted jeans due to fatal health risks

Fashion
Forget sandblasting! This is a slightly faded pair of Levi's that doesn't use the dangerous technique.
Forget sandblasting! This is a slightly faded pair of Levi's that doesn't use the dangerous technique.

We may love our crisp black or ink blue jeans now, but about a decade ago it was impossible to walk down the street without seeing dozens of sandblasted jeans everywhere. Looking back on it, the trend is kind of silly and isn't the most flattering, but now there's a real reason to dislike the fake-aged jeans. According to Women's Wear Daily, 40 garment workers in Turkey died of lung disease from exposure to crystalline silica-the substance used to fade denim-from 2005 and 2009. Thankfully the Turkish government have since outlawed the practice. Last year both Levi's and H&M stopped making sandblasted jeans, and now they're working with the International Textile Garment & Leather Workers' Federation to stop the use of this technique throughout the fashion industry.

Do your part to help and stop purchasing sandblasted jeans! They're bad for garment workers and for your wardrobe.

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