Jean makers set up ban on sandblasting

Clothes firms Levi Strauss and H&M have announced a global moratorium on sandblasting for all future product lines.

The process, a finishing technique used to create a worn or stressed look on denim and other products, is dangerous to workers without proper safeguards because of exposure to silica.

Products made using sandblasting will be boycotted by the US- and Sweden-based firms because, they say, safeguards cannot be guaranteed among suppliers. They are encouraging others to join the ban.