EPA Isues New Regulations Regarding Certain Textile Dyes

On December 29, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency published in the Federal Register (79 FR 77891 Benzidine-Based Chemical Substances; Di-n-pentyl Phthalate (DnPP); and Alkanes, C12-13, Chloro; Significant New Use Rule.

EPA is concerned about potential carcinogenic effects on workers and consumers from the manufacture, processing, or use of these substances. Consumers exposed via dermal exposure to consumer products containing the benzidine-based chemical substances are a particular concern because enzymes present in the human body and in bacteria on the skin aid in the reduction of these chemical substances to the benzidine unit, an established human carcinogen. The main consumer products that could result in dermal exposure if containing these chemical substances include textiles and leather products because they are in prolonged contact with human skin.