Abstract
Twenty-six carcinogenic primary aromatic amines (PAAs) originating from azo dyes in commercial textile products that can potentially come into direct contact with human skin (31 products; 41 samples) and in leather products (23 products; 23 samples) in Japan were investigated. Twelve and 11 PAAs were detected in the textile and leather products, respectively, nearly all at low concentrations (below 1.0 μg/g). However, the concentrations of benzidine (45-593 μg/g) in one shawl and six sheets and covers (seven samples) exceeded European Union (EU) regulatory limits (below 30 μg/g). Concentrations of o-toluidine (430 μg/g), benzidine (31 μg/g), and 3,3′-dimethylbenzidine (40 μg/g) in leather products (hand-crafted leather) also exceeded EU regulatory limits. Shawls, sheets, and covers can come into direct contact with human skin. Thus, an exposure evaluation should be performed for benzidine in these products.
