Beware of chrome-tanned leather in allergy

Beware of chrome-tanned leather in contact allergy

06/27/2013

People who suffer from a contact allergy should resort to vegetable-based products when using leather products such as shoes or gloves. According to Stiftung Warentest, chrome-tanned leather could possibly lead to skin rashes.

One in five children's shoes should not have been sold
For the July issue of her magazine „test“ Stiftung Warentest has examined 60 examples of selected leather products, including 20 pairs of children's shoes, pairs of leather work gloves and leather wristwatches. Chromate VI was often found in it, a substance that can trigger allergies. Of the products tested, one in five children's shoes and one in three working gloves contained so much chromium VI that they should not have been sold. Even the limit of twenty times the limit of the glove of the company „Gebol“ exceeded. For chromium VI in leather products, a limit of 3 mg per kilogram has been established in Germany.

Half a million sufferers
In Germany, about half a million people suffer from chromium VI sensitization. Since chromate used to often appear in cement-containing building materials, the allergy is also known under the name Maurerkrätze. Skin contact may cause redness and itching, sometimes quickly turning into painful skin cracks. In addition to nickel and fragrances, chromium VI is one of the most common contact allergens. Chromium III, which is commonly used today to preserve the skin of the animal, may cause chromium VI. The substance then reaches the skin during sweating and irritates it. A protection by socks or food is hardly available.

Vegetable tanned leather - or waiver
Vegetable-tanned leather is better suited for those affected. However, the product testers explained that so far it is a niche product. Therefore, it is recommended to ask specifically for this or to pay attention to test seals such as the Europaeus Foundation for Allergy Research (ECARF) or the IVN certificate for natural leather. Another alternative would be to refrain as possible on leather products. So there are many other possibilities, such as fabric shoes, metal watch bracelets or latex work gloves. (Ad)

Image: Petra Bork