Recherchetool für Materialien

Poison in the shoe? - European leather shoes in the test

For this study, 62 pairs of leather shoes purchased in EU countries and Switzerland were tested for hexavalent chromium (chromium VI). Chromium VI is a highly toxic, allergenic and mutagenic carcinogenic substance. Allergic contact dermatitis can be caused by contact with the skin. EU legislation therefore provides for an upper limit of 3mg/kg of chromium VI in leather goods. In order to test for exceeding the limit value for chromium VI in leather shoes, samples were taken from 22 different companies from 12 European countries. In none of the pairs of shoes tested was the limit value of 3mg/kg
exceeded. The test therefore shows that the introduction of the legal upper limit for hexavalent chromium in leather goods has had a positive effect on consumers. However, companies should not be content to guarantee their consumers safe products. It is imperative that they also ensure standards for the health and safety of all workers who make their shoes.

editorial: Kistler, Daniela; Pieper, Anton; Kreisler, Eva; Aronsson, Charlie

Scope: 14 pages
Reference: free of charge for download at the South Wind Institute.