Toxicology Studies of Brominated Azo Dyes (Disperse Blue 373, Disperse Orange 61, Disperse Violet 93)

Battelle Centers/Pub Hlth Res & Evaluatn, Columbus OH

Investigators

Abstract

More than 95% of textiles and clothing are imported into the United States and these materials, found in the home, may contain chemicals of unknown toxicity, including azo dyes. Azo dyes are the fastest-growing category of textile dyestuffs, and to date little to no toxicity data currently exists particularly for brominated azo dyes. Human exposure studies have shown that exposure to brominated azo dyes (which may occur via ingestion, inhalation (dust), and/or skin contact) in the home may be of concern especially in vulnerable populations. Previous studies conducted by NIEHS have shown that other brominated chemicals and azo dyes are multisite toxins and carcinogens including carcinogenic findings in the intestine, a site of carcinogenic concern in humans. The brominated azo dyes included in this project were selected to address these data gaps by conducting toxicity studies on three of the most abundantly and most commonly detected brominated azo dyes found in the home and in other settings - Disperse Blue 373, Disperse Orange 61, Disperse Violet 93.