Invisible hazard but harmful to health and environment, Part-1
Every day we are wearing cloths either for fashion or need. But very few of us thing about the harmful side of cloths. During textile processing various dyes, auxiliaries, preservatives etc are used which could create serious health hazard if not controlled properly in the process.
This is a series of article. Today we are going to talk about one of those substances which is called Azo dyes.
According to Chemistry, we find the definition of Azo like below.
Azo dyes contain one or more nitrogen-nitrogen double bond called Azo groups in their chemical structure-
−N=N−
We can also call them as amine. Now the point is why and how Azo or Amine is harmful for health?
When someone is wearing a cloth containing azo dyes, can cause allergenic effect on his/her skin. Need to mention one thing here, only colored cloth can contain Azo. White fabric does not contain Azo dyes.
There are thousands of Amine in this universe. Among those, only 26 amines have been identified as harmful. These 26 amines are called Azo Dyes.
When the fabric manufacturer uses this Azo containing dyes to dye the fabric beyond the acceptable limit, then it creates problem to human skin as well as environment when discharge the sludge to the nature. Due to prolonged skin contact there is huge carcinogenic effect and can end up with skin cancer.
Why Azo dyes is used in fabric as a color?
The one and only answer is- due to cost manufacturers are using dyes which contains Azo. Azo free chemicals are high in price and less cost effective.
What is tolerance limit of Azo dyes in garments or textiles?
According European regulation the limit is 30 PPM(Parts per Million). If Azo dyes found above that limit, that is harmful for health.
How we can know a garment contain Azo Dyes?
A number of third party laboratories are available who detect and confirm product certificate considering hazard class. Maximum good buyers are sourcing garments from those suppliers who have these certificates from third party labs declaring that hazard free.
What to do as a consumer?
Before purchasing any garment, need to ensure whether the product has hazard free certificate of not. If you ask, the seller is bound to show you the certificate.
Finally, if you are health concern, should check the product before purchasing as you are paying for this.
Thanks for stopping by.
Wikipedia says this on the topic:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azo_dye
Completely white clothes have been bleached, that's also a process involving harmful chemicals, isn't it? Besides, white clothes are a bit impractical as stains are very visible and they can't be washed together with colored clothes.
Yes, Wikipedia is correct. As I said only 26 amines or azo dyes are harmful to skin. As an analytical lab manager I am approving a number of azo fail results everyday which are crossing the regulation limit and buyers are rejecting those goods. It is true that maximum amines are non toxic but only the concern is those banned amines which manufactures are using unethically.
You are correct that white fabric can contain other harmful substances like Formaldehyde, APEO or higher pH value which are also harmful for human health. Finally, thanks for adding value to the content.
Azo dye
Azo dyes are organic compounds bearing the functional group R−N=N−R′, in which R and R′ are usually aryl. They are a commercially important family of azo compounds, i.e. compounds containing the linkage C-N=N-C. Azo dyes are widely used to treat textiles, leather articles, and some foods. Chemically related to azo dyes are azo pigments, which are insoluble in water and other solvents.
We are living in third world country. We never ensure the safe food so far textile hazards. We are not be aware about our health and environmental hazard. Especial article for us. So thnx 4 the post.
You are most welcome.
I was thinking when you gonna start to write about this. Good one, waiting for the next episode. Thanks.
Thanks for the mind reading:)
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Thanks for the appreciation. I am grateful to @creativecrypto for the motivational words. Thanks.