Abstract

Chromium exists in nature in various oxidation states (from -2 valence to +6), of which trivalent chromium Cr(III) and hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) are the common forms. In the leather and textile industry, Cr(III, VI) mainly exists in various auxiliaries used in the processes of tanning, printing and dyeing, and it has often been detected in leather products. Cr(VI) can enter into human body through the digestive tract, the respiratory tract, by skin contact and other ways. Cr(VI) has been identified as one of the 129 priority pollutants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and it has also been internationally recognized as a heavy metal carcinogen. The hazards caused by chromium pollution in the environment have been paid great attention all over the world, of these hazards the applications of Cr(VI) as well as its impact on human health are the focus of attention. This paper makes an introduction on the hazards, regulations and the alternatives of hexavalent chromium in the leather and textile industries.