Industrial Hygiene Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ, July 17^th, 2020

 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently posted information about a recall by a U.S. importer and retailer of women’s shoes. The lady’s court pumps, sold in several colors, were imported from China and sold at the company’s retail stores nationwide.

According to the recall notice, high levels of hexavalent chromium (chromium VI) in the leather insock of the shoe pose a risk of skin irritation. Those who purchased the shoes are advised to stop wearing them and to return the shoes to the retailer for a full refund.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a toxic form of the element chromium. Hexavalent chromium compounds are man-made and widely used in many different industries. Industrial uses include chromate pigments in dyes, paints, inks and plastics; chromates added as anticorrosive agents to paints, primers and other surface coatings; and chromic acid electroplated onto metal parts to provide a decorative or protective coating.

“Elevated levels of chromium VI can sometimes be found in leather products due to mistakes made during the leather tanning process,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As reported by the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, dermal exposure to chromium can cause irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. The agency also reports that chromium is one of the most common skin sensitizers.”

With laboratories across the United States and Canada, EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides testing services to detect and measure hexavalent chromium from consumer goods, environmental samples, and through industrial hygiene testing to protect workers in industries that that utilize it. Testing safeguards consumers and employees, while also helping to prevent costly product recalls for manufacturers, importers and retailers. It is also critical for keeping companies in regulatory compliance to avoid possible environmental and occupational exposure penalties.

To learn more about hexavalent chromium or other consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.