Volvo Goes Chrome-Free

Chrome is notoriously used by automakers to dress up today's cars-though usually this is limited to the exterior, with a few interior adornments. A little-known fact, however, is that chrome is used in leather treatment, and can trigger reactions in individuals allergic to the metal. That's why Volvo, in its infinite wisdom regarding all things safety, has opted to stop using chrome in the leather tanning process.

According to a press release issued Wednesday, chrome allergies can be triggered simply by touching leather that has been tanned in the material. Contact spurs eczema, a skin rash that can last for several days. The release says avoidance is the only long-term strategy-which is why Volvo is moving away from tanning materials containing chrome. All leather in Volvo cars is now put through a chromium-free tanning process, using natural or synthetic tanning materials instead.

Volvo also says the process they now use causes less environmental damage than tanning the leather with chrome.

Posted in: Volvo