Is my chromium-dyed carpet safe?

J. Stancil asks:

I bought an all wool area rug that I thought was 'safe'-no chemical treatments, etc. After purchasing it I found out that it had been made in another country that still uses chromium dyes.

I have tried to find out exactly what are the risks with chromium dyes; do they outgas, or does the danger come from the dyes just wearing down and putting chromium dust in the air, or what?

I don't know if it would be safe to allow small children to play on the rug. Does anyone know? Thank You

The Green Guide Responds:

Chromium out-gassing is not the concern that it is with solvents such as toluene. However, there is always the possibility that carpeting may break down over time and since children tend to play on them, they may breathe in or swallow pigmented strands. Chromium VI, a carcinogen according to the EPA, is often used in chromium dyes, so it may be wiser to discourage children from lying on or playing on the carpet. In fact, Alex Wilson, executive editor of Environmental Building News, says that he wouldn't want carpet with chromium dyes in his house. That said, according the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Regsistry, those most at risk are children playing in sites contaminated by chromium dumping, where levels are likely to be much higher than any found in textiles. Perhaps the best advice would be to remove the carpet before it gets too old since carpeting can store many other toxic substances tracked in as dirt, not to mention mold and mildew, which only rigorous and constant vacuuming can eliminate.