Re: Warnings about health hazard from Chinese leather upholstery
Many years ago there was a leather that was called 'China Cow' that almost every U.S. maker of leather furniture purchased as it was inexpensive, and looked good. They even had a little brand that said "China Cow" on the back of the hides. One day, it was discovered that active carcinogens were on the leathers (only could be absorbed into the skin when sweaty) and overnight...China Cow disappeared from the market.
Tanning leather is a nasty business. Its full of unpleasant chemicals and uses tons of water. All USA tanneries of any size were shut down by the EPA and OSHA in 2008 (there are a few small-scale specialty tanneries out there that remain, however - such as one in Chicago that does the NFL footballs, etc). Part of that was due to pollution controls and partly due to worker health. Now, all leather is imported, and some comes from China, some from Argentina, other from Italy, Germany, New Zealand, etc....virtually all over the world. The moral discussion of such is probably outside the context of this forum, but at the end of the day its all imported.
I have not been away of any leather from China causing issues since the demise of China Cow. Like in most things, there are good tanneries and not so good ones. I have sold a LOT of Chinese leathers over the years and am very sensitive to the issue, but so far no problems or issues either through my store or any buzz from the makers of the furniture. You have choices in leather, and its pretty much agreed upon in the trade that the best leathers come out of Europe. However those are also the most costly, Like the old adage goes, "You pays your money, you takes your choice!" If a high quality hide is critical, be prepared to pay more....
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
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