Chromium-6 is a carcinogenic substance used in various industries. Inhalation can cause lung cancer; ingestion can cause stomach ulcers and skin contact can cause serious rashes. The EU regulates its use.
Cheap leather is produced, however, in countries such as Bangladesh where there are few laws to protect the environment and workers. Chromium-6 is used in such countires to cheaply and relatively quickly tan leather. During the process workers are exposed to chromium-6 on a daily basis and suffer the health consequences. The leather produced in this manner is imported by European countries on a large scale and there are no restriction against it.
As a consumer you may also suffer the consequences of this. Many leather products produced with the use of chromium-6 such as jackets and shoes contain levels of chromium-6 far above the level regarded safe by scientist. Skin contact with these products may cause severe rashes and allergies.
Flakey, red and painful skin is not a good fashion accessory. The EU should ban the import of leather wares with levels of chromium-6 above the level considered safe for consumers, even if this means paying a little more for a nice pair of shoes. Banning these products protects consumers and workers in developing countries. Please sign this petition and let the European Parliament know you want safe leather wares.
