Clarks Recalls Women's Shoes Due to Toxic Chemicals
Clarks, the popular footwear brand known for its comfortable shoes, recently announced a voluntary recall of several womens shoe styles. This recall was prompted after testing found high levels of potentially hazardous chemicals in certain materials used in the shoes.
Shoes Impacted by the Recall
The recall impacts eight different styles of womens shoes sold between February 2021 and December 2022. The impacted shoes are:
- Clarks CloudSteppers Arla Jacory
- Clarks CloudSteppers Arla Shaylie
- Clarks CloudSteppers Arla Bonnie
- Clarks CloudSteppers Arla Primrose
- Clarks CloudSteppers Arla Glison
- Clarks CloudSteppers Arla Shine
- Clarks CloudSteppers Arla Tulip
- Clarks CloudSteppers Arla Modesty
The shoes came in a variety of colors and most sold for around $100. They were available online and in stores across the United States.
Recall Due to Toxic Chemicals
Testing by Clarks revealed concerning levels of benzidine and dimethoxybenzidine in the impacted shoes. These chemicals are used in the manufacturing of certain dyes and pigments.
Exposure to high concentrations of benzidine over time has been linked to increased cancer risk. Thus, the presence of these chemicals in shoes prompted Clarks to take swift action with a voluntary recall.
Health Risks of Benzidine and Dimethoxybenzidine
Benzidine and its closely related compounds are known to be toxic chemicals with concerning health impacts, especially over time with repeated exposure.
Carcinogenic Effects
One of the most worrying health consequences of benzidine exposure is increased cancer risk. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), benzidine is known to be a human carcinogen.
Specifically, benzidine has been linked to higher incidences of bladder cancer. Those working regularly with benzidine in occupational settings without sufficient protective gear appear to be most at risk.
Other Potential Effects
In addition to cancer risk, benzidine exposure has also been associated with toxic effects on the blood. It may reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells and cause anemia.
Benzidine can also irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. At very high concentrations in the air, it may cause headache, dizziness, and nausea.
Ongoing Research
Research into the potential toxicity of benzidine and its derivatives is still evolving. While the most concerning carcinogenic effects appear tied to occupational-level repeated exposures, potential risks from lower-level consumer exposures are still being elucidated.
Clarks' Recall and Response
Upon being alerted to the presence of benzidine in certain shoe materials, Clarks immediately launched a thorough investigation and voluntary recall of all potentially impacted shoes.
Notification to Consumers
The company has been notifying consumers who purchased recalled shoes directly when possible. They have also published sizing information and UPC codes for all impacted styles on their website to aid in identification.
Notices explaining the recall have also been distributed to various retailers and distributors who carried the shoes. In-store signage and online alerts aim to inform consumers who purchased the shoes.
Removal from Sale
Clarks promptly removed all impacted shoe styles from sale in their stores, website, and third-party retail partners. This halt of sales aims to prevent any further distribution of shoes containing benzidine.
Options for Returning Shoes
Consumers who purchased any of the recalled styles of CloudSteppers shoes are advised to immediately stop wearing them. To return them, consumers can bring them to any Clarks store location or contact Clarks Customer Service.
Upon returning the recalled shoes, consumers will receive a full refund. If purchased directly from Clarks, shipping costs will also be covered.
Manufacturing Problems Result in Recall
The presence of concerning levels of benzidine within some Clarks shoes appears tied to irregularities within manufacturing and supply chain processes.
Origin of the Chemicals
According to Clarks investigation, the source of the benzidine was traced to specific dye lots from one supplier. The tainted dye was then incorporated into foam used in the footbed of certain shoe styles.
Quality Control Issues
Normally, footwear production involves many quality control checks to detect problematic substances like benzidine. However, it appears these contaminated dye batches evaded detection and made it into final products.
The result was certain shoes containing hazardous chemicals being distributed and sold before the contamination was uncovered through additional testing.
Corrective Actions
Since becoming aware of the benzidine contamination, Clarks has halted all production and shipments of the affected styles. They are working closely with suppliers to determine what allowed the chemical to avoid earlier detection.
Enhanced manufacturing and testing processes seek to ensure no similar issues occur going forward. Ongoing updates will keep consumers informed if any developments arise.
Important Recall Facts for Consumers
For those who purchased any of the recalled Clarks women's shoes, here are some key facts regarding the recall:
Check if You Have Recalled Shoes
Carefully examine your shoes and cross-reference the impacted styles and UPC codes listed on Clarks' website. Stop wearing any recalled shoes immediately.
Return Shoes for Refund
You can return recalled shoes to any local Clarks store or contact Customer Service to receive a full refund. Make sure to have your receipt or order information.
Monitor for Recall Updates
Check Clarks' website periodically for any new information or developments related to the recall. Sign up for direct email updates as well.
Report Any Health Issues
If you wore the recalled shoes extensively and have any concerns about possible health impacts, contact your doctor. You can also report any issues to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
While the risks are low, monitoring your health and reporting problems contributes to ongoing monitoring of chemical safety.
The Clarks recall serves as an important reminder for consumers to be aware of potential product hazards. Carefully following any recall instructions helps protect your health.
FAQs
Why are these Clarks shoes being recalled?
Clarks is recalling certain women’s shoes after testing found high levels of the toxic chemicals benzidine and dimethoxybenzidine.
What are the health risks of benzidine exposure?
Benzidine is linked to increased cancer risk, especially bladder cancer. It can also cause blood, skin, eye, and lung irritation at high levels.
How can I tell if my Clarks shoes are part of the recall?
Check the style name and UPC codes of your shoes against the impacted styles listed on the Clarks recall website.
What should I do if I have the recalled shoes?
Immediately stop wearing the shoes and return them to a Clarks store or contact Customer Service to receive a full refund.
How did the shoes get contaminated with benzidine?
The source was traced to specific tainted dye lots from a supplier. The dye got into foam in the shoe footbeds before quality control detected it.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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