BLC News
Chrome VI found in textiles
19th January, 2011
According to a recent RAPEX online publication, the Italian authorities have seized several textile products claiming that they contain chromium (VI) in amounts ranging from 2.4 to 19.2 ppm.
Chromium salts are often used in leather tanning and sometimes in textile dyeing processes e.g. chromium (III) sulphate is used in leather tanning and Cr (III) containing metal complex dyes and inorganic pigments are used to colour textiles. Other substances such as potassium chromate and potassium dichromate, both of which contain Cr (VI) may be added as part of the dye manufacturing processes.
The likelihood of finding chrome VI in textile products, as opposed to leather products, has always been considered to be low risk and as such does not routinely appear on any retailer/brand specifications (that BLC are aware of). However, this recent seizure by the Italian authorities suggests that there is potentially a need for the introduction of a due diligence protocol for the testing of chrome VI in textiles.
Based on this BLC would recommend that brands and retailers test a range of textile products as part of their due diligence process.
For further information on the use of chromium, regulatory standards, product safety testing, compliance and training, contact BLC on info@blcleathertech.com or +44 (0)1604 679999.
