Editorial
In the century in which we live, information flows
quickly through various media and, for this reason,
society quickly learns the benefits and risks that the
products they consume may cause to their health.
When I refer to consumption, this includes not
only food and products for domestic use and personal
care, but also those that constitute a person's clothing,
home furnishing, etc..
Knowing the risks, means that consumers will be
more sensitive and demanding; want to know exactly
what is used and how the item they wish to buy is
produced.
Unfortunately, in many cases, the information is
incomplete or incorrect, causing consumers to be
confused and this may result in a damage to the industry,
difficult to be repaired.
Sometimes, the studies about different products
from which those statements or conclusions come
from, have no scientific rigor. For example, the
number of samples analyzed is not sufficient to consider
that the results are indeed representative of the
universe they refer to.
What was stated above, occurs frequently nowadays
referring to leather and leather manufactures.
The list of banned and restricted substances in leather
production has been growing in recent years
and suppliers of chemicals for tanneries, responded
and continue to respond to these requests promptly.
People who produce leather and leather goods,
must provide their clients and the consumers all the
information regarding the production process and the
chemicals used in it to make them feel confident and
secure.
The information provided must be based on the results
of laboratory tests carried out in accordance
with current international standards for leather.
Logically, this implies a cost many times higher in
Argentina than in other countries because laboratories
that can perform all required analyzis do not yet
exist and therefore the samples must be sent to laboratories
abroad.
I think one of our responsibilities as chemists and
leather technicians, is to clarify, with the utmost
scientific rigor we can, any incorrect or misleading
information that may affect the industry we work at,
remarking that social ethics and responsibility for the
environment care are values associated to our business.
Lic. Patricia Casey - Presidente
|