Dr. Martens announced the recall of its Cherry Red 1460 Vegan Boot last week for concerns that prolonged and direct contact with the boot tongue lining can expose the wearer to the chemical, Benzidine.
According to the EPA, Benzadine is no longer produced in the U.S., but Benzidine-based dyes can be imported into the country. Chronic exposure to the chemical may cause injury to the bladder in humans. The EPA classified the chemical as a Group A, known human potentially cancer-causing chemical.
The product was manufactured in Vietnam, and imported by Airwar of Portland, Ore. Approximately 30,000 units were made.
Featuring a cherry red leather upper with black shoelaces, a chunky sole and a golden heel pull tab with ‘AirWair’ printed on it, the eight-eye boot came in unisex sizes. The boot retails for $125.
Although no injuries have yet to be reported, Dr. Martens is offering a refund or replacement of the boot in question, and recommends that consumers immediately stop using the recalled item. The shoes were sold at Dr. Martens, Journeys and independent stores nationwide and online at Amazon, Shoebuy and more, from January 2015 until July of this year.