article_snippet: An investigation has revealed how factory workers in China risk contracting a potentially fatal disease to produce jeans for fashion labels Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle Outfitters.
article_snippet: The short programme, titled 'Denim Blues' and due to be aired on Al Jazeera on March 19, also exposed poor working conditions and environmental damage resulting from the industry in the Chinese city of Xintang, known as the jeans capital of the world.
article_snippet: The video, shot by an undercover researcher, captured employees working at a frantic pace in a factory known as Dongguan Tiangxiang.
article_snippet: Chemicals lie haphazardly around the room and workers use a potent chemical called potassium permanganate without wearing proper protective masks.
article_snippet: A bucket of chemicals lies exposed in the Dongguan Tianxiang factory, where AEO and Abercrombie & Fitch Fitch source AEO and Abercrombie & Fitch jeans .
article_snippet: Factory managers refused to discuss the process, but workers speaking on the condition of anonymity confirmed the controversial practice continues.
article_snippet: Some workers say Some workers suffer not only from lung problems but also from allergies caused by dyes and other chemicals used in the making of denim.