Substitution of carcinogenic and neurotoxic solvents used for tanning

A process to substitute hazardous products with less hazardous ones was initiated by the safety and health representatives of a footwear manufacturing company in a region of Spain with an important footwear manufacturing industry. They involved the labour inspectorate and the Union Institute of Work, Environment and Health (ISTAS) in this process. The substitution was initiated because several workers were affected by a series of health problems including  vomiting, dizziness and headaches, and epileptic seizures. The hazardous products were substituted by a solvent whose only harmful component is acetone. The company also decided to order pre-tanned leather to reduce the use of chemical products.