In an age where fast fashion rules the industry, the demand for cheap and trendy clothing has led to the exploitation of workers in countries like China. An Al Jazeera investigation has revealed that workers in some Chinese jeans factories still use sandblasting, a dangerous process that involves blasting sand or silica particles onto denim to create a faded or worn look.
Sandblasting may seem harmless, but it releases tiny particles of dust that can enter the lungs and cause silicosis, a potentially fatal lung disease. Workers who inhale this dust have an increased risk of developing lung cancer, tuberculosis, and other respiratory diseases.
Despite the known health hazards and the global ban on sandblasting in many countries, some Chinese factories continue to use the technique. Al Jazeera reporters went undercover and found that workers were not provided with adequate protective gear and were exposed to fine particles of sand and silica without any respiratory protection.
The investigation discovered that some top US brands, which cannot be named due to legal reasons, source denim from factories that use sandblasting. These brands have a responsibility to ensure that their supply chain is ethical, safe, and environmentally friendly. However, they seem to turn a blind eye to the health and safety of the workers who create their products.
There are alternatives to sandblasting, such as laser treatment, which is safer and more eco-friendly. However, this method is more expensive, and factories often choose the cheaper option of sandblasting, risking the lives of their workers.
The Chinese government has banned sandblasting since 2009, but the law is not fully enforced, and many factories continue to use the technique in secret. This negligence on behalf of the government and companies puts the lives of workers at risk.
Workers in Chinese jeans factories deserve better working conditions and protection against the hazardous effects of sandblasting. The use of sandblasting must be eradicated, and companies must take action to ensure that their suppliers follow ethical and safe practices. Consumers can also play a role by choosing to support brands that prioritize the well-being of workers.
In conclusion, the use of sandblasting in Chinese jeans factories is a deadly practice that is putting the lives of workers at risk. Companies and the government must take action to eradicate this technique and provide workers with safer alternatives. As consumers, we have the power to demand ethical and safe practices from the brands we support. It’s time to put an end to sandblasting in the fashion industry and prioritize the health and safety of workers.
Keywords: Sandblasting Gun Factory, Chinese Jeans Factories, Al Jazeera, US brands, lung disease, laser treatment, working conditions, ethical practices, consumers, fashion industry.