Chromium and azo colorants: carry out the tests

We can now offer you the opportunity to carry out chemical tests also on textiles, hides and leather We can now offer you the opportunity to carry out chemical tests also on textiles, hides and leather. For these kinds of materials Certottica can detect the presence of substances such as chromium and azo colorants – which can be toxic – by carrying out the tests applying the reference standards.   Chromium   In order to detect the presence of hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) in hides and leather our chemical laboratory applies standard UNI EN ISO 17075:2008 "Leather - Chemical tests - Determination of chromium (VI) content". Chromium dressing is widespread since this kind of dressing makes it possible to get quality leather which is suitable for various uses. Nowadays several countries export leather which has already been chromium dressed, which will undergo further treatments to get to the final product. Hexavalent chromium compounds turn out to be carcinogenic and their use within the EU is subject to restrictions (Directive 2002/95/EC).   Azo colorants   Azo colorants are characterized by their ability to give bright colours to textiles and leather and they have excellent colouring properties. Nonetheless, under certain conditions, they can break down and release aromatic amines which are potentially carcinogenic. Using azo colorant to dye textiles and leather can be a factor of risk to health. The European Commission classifies 22 amines as suspect carcinogens and Directive 2002/61/EC bans the use of azo colorants which are dangerous for health.   In order to determine the presence of specific amines deriving from azo colorants, our laboratory applies standard UNI EN 14362-1:2012 "Textiles - Methods for determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo colorants - Part 1: Detection of the use of certain azo colorants accessible with and without extracting the fibres", while for leather and hides it applies standard UNI EN ISO 17234-2:2011 "Leather - Chemical tests for the determination of certain azo colorants in dyed leathers - Part 2: Determination of 4-aminoazobenzene". The main ways of exposure to these substances are absorption through the skin and ingestion: for an offer please contact our Marketing Area.