The European Union (EU) and the state of California (Proposition 65) have banned a number of aromatic amines that have been classified as carcinogenic. These aromatic amines can be liberated when their parent azo dyes undergo cleavage due to a raised pH (e.g. from perspiration).
Some of the acid dyes used to color leather have been synthesized using one of more of the banned amines, and may be converted back to the free amines by perspiration.
We offer testing for the banned amines / azo dyes according to the following test method:
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/DIS 17234 (IULTCS/IUC 20); Leather — Chemical tests — Determination of certain azo colourants in dyed leathers.
