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Chromium (VI) in textile and leather products

EU Limit on Chromium (VI)

Protective leather gloves 10 mg/kg

Safety footwear (EN 344) 10 mg/kg

Several EU member states have general laws on products hazardous to health and to the environment, in addition to legislation on specific substances.

EU governments can use this kind of general laws to protect consumers, even if there is not any specific product legislation.

Especially Germany is quite active in enforcement of this legislation. In accordance with the comprehensive § 30 of the Food and Commodities Law of Garmany, no chromium (IV) should be detected in leather and textile products.

Although problems with chromium are mostly related to leather products, chromium can also be found in textile products (dyed wool and silk). Chromium (VI) release of more than 0,08-0,88 g/cm² can cause allergic reactions in sensitive persons.

Test Method

EN 420 – Determination of chromium content in textile and leather products

DIN CEN/TS14495, DIN 53314, IUC 18

Chromium in different forms

Chromium is present in the environment in several different forms. The most common forms are

- chromium(0),

- chromium(III),

- chromium(VI)

Main uses of chromium

Chromium compounds, mostly in the forms of chromium (III) and chromium (VI), are used for:

- leather tanning (see the next paragraph for details),

- the manufacture of dyes and pigments,

- chrome plating,

- wood preserving

- Smaller amounts are used in drilling mud, rust and corrosion inhibitors, textiles, and toner for copying machines.

Tanning of leather

Chromium (III) is the only form of chromium that has tanning properties.

Tanning is a process used to produce leather resistant to environmental factors. Tanning agents may be of plant or mineral origin. Chromium tanning is the most frequently used procedure; most of the leathers are tanned by use of chromium. As a rule, basic chromium(III) sulphate is used. In further processing, however, chromium(III) compounds may oxidize to become chromium(VI), which is known to be carcinogenic and has other adverse effects on health .

Leather made by best-practice standards using Chromium (III) does not pose a health risk to the general population.

Health Effects of Chromium

People can be exposed to chromium through breathing, eating or drinking and through skin contact with chromium or chromium compounds. The level of chromium in air and water is generally low. In drinking water the level of chromium is usually low as well, but contaminated well water may contain the dangerous chromium(IV); hexavalent chromium. For most people eating food that contains chromium (III) is the main route of chromium uptake, as chromium (III) occurs naturally in many vegetables, fruits, meats, yeasts and grains. Various ways of food preparation and storage may alter the chromium contents of food. When food is stored in steel tanks or cans chromium concentrations may rise.

Chromium (III) is an essential nutrient for humans and shortages may cause heart conditions, disruptions of metabolisms and diabetes. But the uptake of too much chromium (III) can cause health effects as well, for instance skin rashes.

Chromium (VI) is a danger to human health, mainly for people who work in the steel and textile industry. People who smoke tobacco also have a higher chance of exposure to chromium.

Chromium (VI) is known to cause various health effects. When it is a compound in leather products, it can cause allergic reactions, such as skin rash. After breathing it in chromium(VI) can cause nose irritations and nosebleeds.
Other health problems that are caused by chromium(VI) are:

- Skin rashes
- Upset stomachs and ulcers
- Respiratory problems
- Weakened immune systems
- Kidney and liver damage
- Alteration of genetic material
- Lung cancer
- Death

The health hazards associated with exposure to chromium are dependent on its oxidation state. The metal form (chromium as it exists in this product) is of low toxicity. The hexavalent form is toxic. Adverse effects of the hexavalent form on the skin may include ulcerations, dermatitis, and allergic skin reactions. Inhalation of hexavalent chromium compounds can result in ulceration and perforation of the mucous membranes of the nasal septum, irritation of the pharynx and larynx, asthmatic bronchitis, bronchospasms and edema. Respiratory symptoms may include coughing and wheezing, shortness of breath, and nasal itch.

Carcinogenicity- Chromium and most trivalent chromium compounds have been listed by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) as having inadequate evidence for carcinogenicity in experimental animals. According to NTP, there is sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity in experimental animals for the following hexavalent chromium compounds; calcium chromate, chromium trioxide, lead chromate, strontium chromate,and zinc chromate. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has listed chromium metal and its trivalent compounds within Group 3 (The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.) Chromium is not regulated as a carcinogen by OSHA (29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z). ACGIH has classified chromium metal and trivalent chromium compounds as A4,not classifiable as a human carcinogen.