Most people who wear distressed denim didn't do the distressing...It's an effect often created with sandblasting...[which] has decidedly negative consequences for the garment workers who make them. Breathing the air in close proximity to sandblasting can cause the incurable lung disease silicosis, according to the Clean Clothes Campaign...Even with strict safety standards and protective gear, garment workers are still at risk from sandblasting, according to Patty Reber, director of raw materials development for product design and development with...Target Corp. On Tuesday, Target announced that by late 2012 it would stop carrying any products that have been sandblasted during the manufacturing process. Target...has teamed with the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to investigate responsible sourcing solutions. [also refers to Levi Strauss, H&M]