The statement noted that the ministry has banned the use of sand, sandblast powder or crystalline silica dust on denim. In Turkey, 40 workers have died from silicosis thus far. Silicosis, also known as grinder's disease, is a form of occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust and is marked by inflammation and scarring in the form of nodular lesions in the lungs.As manually sandblasted jeans and denim became popular among youth in Turkey and abroad, illegal and unregistered workshops popped up all over the country to capitalize upon the increasing demand.
The Health Ministry noted that since 1932, health groups including the World Health Organization (WHO) have been pushing to end cases of silicosis globally, coming up with a global action plan in 1995 to dramatically decrease incidence of the disease by 2015 and eliminate it entirely by 2030. The Health Ministry is doing its part to end silicosis contraction in Turkey, the statement said, and part of this is banning the use of sand and silica-containing materials in the blasting processes.
No cure for silicosis
The Health Ministry noted that manual sandblasting has long been banned in a number of European countries and the United States, saying that it is well documented that regardless of the method, silica from the fast-moving sand particles released during the blasting process linger in the air, enter the lungs and remain there, creating both short- and long-term damage and health problems that eventually lead to death.
The Health Ministry's statement also highlighted the public health risk posed by the deadly disease silicosis, for which there is no cure. A scientific panel formed by the ministry researched all of the conventional methods used to blast clothing with sand and similar materials as part of their work to find a way to prevent the contraction of silicosis. Their findings reflected that there was no reliable way to protect workers at facilities where they are blasting clothing manually.
"As a result of this research and taking into consideration the decision of a scientific commission, international agreements and provisions of national legislation, the use of all materials containing sand, silica powder or silica crystals to blast any form of denim or other cloth has been forbidden. Those who have worked in this occupation and do not have up-to-date medical records will be evaluated at the health establishment nearest to them and begin treatment immediately," the statement read.
Benzer Haberler 
National
