Humanscale has been leading the way in to eliminating the harmful Chrome 6 coating from their entire product line and creating a safer industry for all since, starting back in 2015. Chrome 6 or Chromium VI, is frequently used in industrial processes and gives off a reflective sheen making it a common choice for coating everything from automotive parts to contract furniture.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies Chrome 6 as a known human carcinogen when inhaled. Workers exposed to Chrome 6 dust or fumes face elevated risks of lung, nasal, and sinus cancers, while prolonged skin contact can cause rashes and ulcerations. Chrome 6 is not only a health threat to those who are in close contact with the surface, but is also an environmental danger as it often makes its way into our public drinking water supplies. This contamination occurs when industrial waste, improper disposal practices, and natural erosion release Chrome 6 into groundwater, where it can persist for decades.
Despite these well-documented hazards, Chrome 6 remains widely used in industrial and manufacturing processes due to its cost-effectiveness and the challenges of transitioning to safer alternatives. Many manufacturers hesitate to change due to financial concerns or the complexity of adjusting supply chains, leaving architects, designers, and facility managers to navigate difficult decisions about specifying safe, sustainable materials.
Humanscale has demonstrated and proved that removing Chrome 6 from manufacturing practices is possible and doesn’t compromise quality or design. Humanscale has replaced Chrome 6 finishes from their chair bases and metal parts with polished aluminum, which provides the same aesthetic appeal and durability, without the toxic cost. Aluminum also has a high scrap value, ensuring it is actively recycled instead of ending up in landfills. This aligns with Humanscale’s principle of creating a more circular economy, where materials are repurposed rather than discarded.
In addition to the total elimination of Chrome 6, below are some standards that Humanscale has set to lead the industry to be more transparent and environmentally impactful.
-They review 99.9% of the ingredients of a product to ensure that toxic chemicals are not present.
-They are the first to have eliminated harmful chemicals like Chrome 6, halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), PFAS, and added antimicrobials from all of the products we design and manufacture.
-Nearly all of Humanscale products come with ingredient labels, allowing customers to make informed decisions about the materials they bring into their spaces.
-By prioritizing material safety and transparency, Humanscale proves that high-performance design does not require toxic trade-offs.