What Are the Dangers of Black Fabric Dye?

Basic and Alkaline Dyes

• These dyes are most commonly used to dye man-made fibers and, occasionally, used in traditional dyeing processes such as batik. They often contain heavy metals, which are carcinogenic or mutagenic. They should never be handled with bare hands – as the ingredients can enter the bloodstream through the skin – or without a respirator mask. Using these reactive dyes can be especially harmful when ingested or taken in during pregnancy.

All-Purpose Dye

• All-purpose dye, often called fiber-reactive dye, can be purchased inexpensively at grocery and craft stores. It is the most commonly used type of dye used in home dyeing and in tie-dye or other special dyeing projects. While all-purpose dyes are safer than basic or alkaline dyes, they should always be handled with care. Take special care when handling black dyes, especially; dyeing expert Paula E. Burch states that “all-purpose dyes … used to contain a carcinogenic direct black dye … [but] we do not know for certain what all-purpose dyes now contain, because the manufacturers do not list the chemical contents on their packages.”

Food-Safe Dyes

• Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act-certified food coloring and dyes marked “food-safe” are usually the safest types of dyes. If you work with children or want to dye at home with few precautions, consider using food coloring. They may temporarily stain skin or surfaces, and are not always the best choice for coloring garments or other fabric which withstands heavy use and multiple washings. Color can be set using a safe, weak acid, such as vinegar, and high heat. This will slow, not stop, fading, however.

General Safety

• Do not eat dyes, even if they are marked “non-toxic.”Work in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. Avoid breathing in powdered dye, and use a respirator or face mask when mixing and dyeing fabric. Use protective gloves to prevent staining the skin, and cover your working area with newspaper or a tarp to avoid spills. For specific dye safety, request the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the manufacturer. Follow any precautions called out on the sheet.