The European Union banned the use of chrome-tanned leather in automobiles. This should spark some concern about why chrome tanned leather still accounts for 90% of the world’s leather supply. There are serious, documented health risks associated with hexavalent chromium.

The risks of Hexavalent Chromium to the environment, leatherworkers and the end user of the chrome tanned leather product are frightening. Chromium VI is a proven carcinogen that causes cancer, respiratory problems, and damage to internal organs, mostly for leather workers with high exposure risks. Someone using a pair of chrome tanned leather gloves or sandals, for example, can develop rashes and sores. In fact, between 1 and 3% of the adult population worldwide is allergic to chromium and will react to chrome tanned leather with serious skin irritation.

Chromium, in terms of how it relates to the leather industry, has two forms with an important distinction. Trivalent Chromium, or Chromium III is almost benign to humans, and can be found occurring naturally in soil, animals and plants. However, “under certain production and storage circumstances Chromium III can transform to Chromium VI.” (2) More specifically, “chromium VI compounds can be formed in leather through the oxidation of chromium III compounds, which are added in some tanning processes to crosslink the collagen subunits in order to increase leather’s dimensional stability, as well as its resistance to mechanical action and heat.” (3)

Thus, what begins as Chromium III can actually become Chromium VI through normal production and or storage practices used industry wide, and even simple heat exposure.(6) Leather workers who are exposed repeatedly to Chromium III, having to physically get in vats of Chromium III to retrieve hides, have been found to have serious respiratory problems and skin irritations. Too often, workers are barefoot, without gloves, masks and other protective equipment.