Disperse azo dyes, arylamines and halogenated dinitrobenzene compounds in synthetic garments on the Swedish market

Abstract

Background Azobenzene disperse dyes (azo DDs) are well‐known as textile allergens, but the knowledge of their occurrence in garments is low. The numerous azo DDs and dye components found in textiles constitute a potential health risk, but only seven azo DDs are included in the European baseline patch test series (EBS). Objectives To investigate non‐regulated azo DDs and dye components in synthetic garments on the Swedish market. Methods High‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and computerized data mining. Results Sixty‐two azo DDs were detected, with Disperse Red 167:1 occurring in 67%, and 14 other DDs each found in >20% of the garments. Notably, the EBS dyes were less common, three even not detected, while arylamines were frequently detected and exceeded 1 mg/g in several garments. Also, halogenated dinitrobenzenes were identified in 25% of the textiles. Conclusion Azo DDs and dye components, in complex compositions and with large variations, occurred frequently in the synthetic garments. The arylamines were shown to occur at much higher levels compared to the azo DDs, suggesting the former constitute a potentially higher health risk. The role of arylamines and halogenated dinitrobenzenes in textile allergy has to be further investigated.

Exclusion of Disperse Orange 3 is possible from the textile dye mix present in the Swedish baseline patch test series. A study by the Swedish Contact Dermatitis Research Group

“…According to results, other azo DDs than those included in TDM were generally more common. 23 In a recent American study 21 azobenzene DDs were detected in children's polyester clothing purchased in the United States, 12 of which were confirmed and quantified via reference standards. Azo dyes were found to be present in apparel at total levels up to 11 430 μg dye/g shirt and at individual levels up to 9230 μg dye/g shirt (Disperse Red 354).…”

“…In a new study from Sweden 83 synthetic textiles from the Swedish market were analysed for the presence of DDs and the most common dye among the eight included in TDM was DO 3 (26%). According to results, other azo DDs than those included in TDM were generally more common 23 . In a recent American study 21 azobenzene DDs were detected in children's polyester clothing purchased in the United States, 12 of which were confirmed and quantified via reference standards.…”

Sensitization to textile dyes in Spain: Epidemiological situation (2019–2022)

“…Apart from that, there were four patients sensitized to a total of five and thus patch tests preparations, may contain impurities, dye precursors, dye metabolites or other chemicals, such as arylamines and halogenated dinitrobenzenes, which might be responsible for the positive reactions to the TDM or specific DDs, due to concomitant sensitization or cross-reactivity. 1,5,22 Considering available information of those cases that were simultaneously tested with both the TDM and its eight separate allergens as part of the textile dye series, in our study only 14.6% (6/41) of the cases would have been missed if patch-tested with the TDM alone. When compared to the entire textile dye series, this proportion would have been 16.7% (7/42).…”

“…Disperse dyes (DDs), used for dyeing synthetic fabrics (polyester, acetate, nylon, or their blend with other fibre types), are considered to be the most important and common allergens in textile allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). 1,2 Most are azo dyes, which are cheap and easy to apply. 2 Textile dye mix (TDM) 6.6% pet.…”

“…allergens included in the textile dye series other than those of the TDM, namely Basic Red 46 (2), Direct Orange 34 (1), Disperse Blue 153 (1), and Reactive Blue 21(1). Two of these patients were also positive to the TDM, whereas the other two were negative.…”