Watch out for harmful chemicals in your product - they may cause skin reactions ....
It is estimated that 5 million people in Europe are already sensitised to chemicals present in finished textile and leather products and up to 180 000 new sensitisation cases occur each year according to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Allergic reactions can vary from minor itching and redness of the skin to more severe ranging from swelling and skin lesions to breathing difficulties with volatile allergens.
As a result, it is imperative that your product/material is tested and compliant to ensure the relevant levels of chemicals are present. This ensures your customers are safe and avoidance of unnecessary product recall.
Why should we be concerned?
The allergenic substance can affect the immune system in different ways and can be severe. Skin sensitisation symptoms diminish if exposure is avoided, but the symptoms are irreversible and cannot be cured.
Why are skin sensitising chemicals in products?
Substances can be defined as skin sensitisers if there is evidence from experimental tests or in humans that the substance can lead to sensitisation by skin contact.
According to Classification and Labelling Inventory there are 14000 substances on the EU market with some indication of a skin sensitising concern. These include chromium VI, nickel and cobalt compounds and formaldehyde.
How can Eurofins | BLC help?
At Eurofins | BLC we can test chemical, leather, footwear, upholstery, hardware and jewellery, product performance, and flammability. We test to customer, regional, and international regulation and are accredited by UKAS, ILAC and CPSC.
We offer a variety of Chrome VI Support Services including testing to BS EN ISO 17075 (Standard & Ageing tests), Tannery and Manufacturing Audits, Technical Services and Training for Manufacturers, Brand and Retailers. We have developed bespoke tools: the Chrome VI Risk Profiler Tool and Testing Calculator and provide a Chrome VI remediation solution.
In addition, at Eurofins | BLC we can test throughout the supply chain.
Simply email [email protected] your requirements and we can test to make sure you are compliant.
21 June 2021