Testers had found traces of dangerous chromium VI – a substance which is used during the leather tanning process – in 20 children's shoes made by 16 different manufacturers in Europe, names not known to Tender Steps. While many manufacturers have moved manufacturing outside Europe, globe hunting for the lowest wage per minute and cheapest suppliers, these manufacturers have failed to execute an extensive quality control programme.

At Tender Steps we advise that parents to be interested in where their children's shoes come from and that the manufacturer has an effective quality control process in place. In Europe it is illegal to sell shoes with tanning agent residues which are known to be carcinogenic and trigger serious allergic reactions. Dermal exposure to chromium (VI) may cause contact dermatitis, sensitivity, and ulceration of the skin and that's why it is considered dangerous to use in children's shoes.

Tender Steps is currently negotiating with a testing laboratory to make sure that the shoes we sell are compliant with EU requirements for toxins in footwear. Ricosta is compliant so if you are in doubt, choose Ricosta.

Click on Chromium VI for more information.

Source: Community – Ricosta's Consumer Magazine (May 2007)