On Tue, 28 Mar 2006 16:46:07 -0500 Robert Coulter
<[log in to unmask]> writes:
> I've never heard of it and wouldn't expect to. The production of 
> leather, 
> especially for pipe organs is most certainly a side product of the 
> massive 
> production of beef 


Actually it is a direct product of the huge industry dealing in
chrome-tanned cow, goat, kid, sheep and hair-sheep skins for the clothing
industry.  The US Government alone buys many thousands of dozens of skins
a month for use in military clothing.

In fact, it is because of the US government that we can get chrome-tanned
leather at all.  Chromium-oxide is a very hazardous and lethal substance,
and there is practically no way to dispose of the leftover salts.

So, the US Government (E.P.A.) merely fines the tanneries every year for
the illegal use and dumping, and the tanneries just work the cost of the
fines into the price of the leather!

I have decided that I choose to not think about this most of the time.

Jim

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