Where It Comes From
Dye/pigment manufacturing; coloring of textiles, paper, and inks; laboratory stain and water-tracing dye [1][3].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing dust or getting it on skin at work; contact with dyed goods or some cosmetics; eating foods illegally colored with this dye; swallowing water during tracer studies [1][3].
Why It Matters
Main concern is cancer—long-term animal studies found more tumors, especially in the liver [2]; IARC finds it not classifiable for humans (Group 3) [1]; EPA has flagged possible human carcinogenicity [3].
Who Is at Risk
Dye/textile workers; lab and field staff using tracer dyes; people using unregulated foods or cosmetics; children and pregnant people [1][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Buy foods/spices and cosmetics from trusted sources; avoid unnaturally bright red/pink items without approved colors listed; at work, use gloves, goggles, and ventilation (respiratory protection as needed); wash hands and launder work clothes separately [2][3].