Few would argue against the suggestion that
color
is the number one factor in our decision to purchase a particular item, whether that item is an article of clothing, an automobile, or a dish of gelatin in the salad section of a cafeteria. While each of the aforementioned items contains a synthetic dye, extremely few of us are aware of what has taken place behind the scenes to ensure the safety of workers and consumers who are exposed to synthetic dyes. In some cases, the companies involved in the manufacture or use of dyes have not only been required by regulatory agencies to remove unsafe products from the marketplace but also to discontinue a manufacturing practice deemed unsafe. With the latter point in mind, this article covers recent developments associated with the environmental chemistry of dyes in industrial operations. Emphasis is placed on investigations pertaining to effluent treatment methods, pollution prevention, and product stewardship. It is anticipated that the contents of this chapter will prove helpful in the design of environmentally friendly dyes and in training students and other future workers in this important field.