Denim sandblasting and silicosis: A 20-year journey

Silicosis re-emerged as a critical occupational health issue in 2004 among young workers in Türkiye’s denim sandblasting industry. The use of silica-based sandblasting to create a "distressed" look exposed workers to harmful silica dust, leading to progressive lung diseases and increased mortality. A lack of awareness at the time resulted in misdiagnoses, delayed interventions, and unnecessary invasive procedures. The ban on silica-based sandblasting in Türkiye in 2009 was a significant milestone in occupational health. However, the hazardous practice soon migrated to other countries with weaker regulations, causing similar tragedies. While new exposures have since ceased, the focus today lies on addressing the health needs of affected workers and preventing similar crises in other industries. The silicosis epidemic underscores the devastating consequences of prioritizing profit over safety. Current priorities include providing comprehensive healthcare to surviving workers and developing proactive policies to prevent future occupational health crises. Global cooperation is essential to enforcing stringent regulations, enhancing worker education, and reshaping consumer demand toward safer practices. These steps are vital to ensure that the lessons of the past 20 years are not repeated in other sectors.