Substitution of toluene, benzene and cyclohexane in the treatment of leather for footwear manufacture

Type of measure: Substitution

In a shoe manufacturing company located in the region of La Rioja, Spain two solvents were used for the tanning of leather for shoe manufacturing.Substitution was carried out because several workers were affected by a series of health problems which included vomiting, dizziness and headaches.

The most alarming symptoms were epileptic seizures suffered by two workers after 10 hours of continuous work with solvents in a tanning process.

The hazardous products were substituted by a solvent where the only harmful component is acetone. The company also decided to order pre-tanned leather to reduce the use of chemical products.

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Published July 26, 2023

Please note that this substance or some of it's compounds are listed in Annex XIV (REACH regulation). This substance some of it's compounds are only allowed to be used, imported, or brought into the market, if authorisation requirements of REACH are fulfilled.

Please be aware that for this carcinogen you need to be more cautious when determining potential skin contact and how to regard dermal exposure in your risk reduction strategy.

Relevance

Carcinogens involved:
Benzene

Sector(s) involved:
Manufacturing
Manufacture of footwear

About this case

Country:
Spain

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General facts

Facts about cancer-causing agents:

The direct costs of carcinogen exposure at work across Europe are estimated at 2.4 billion Euros per year.
Every year, about 120.000 persons get cancer from exposure to carcinogens at work
Annually more than 100.000 people die because of work-related cancer.