PCB-11's Found in Yellow Dyes

Recently the news has covered new information about yellow dyes and it containing PCB-11’s. Further investigation into the subject did reveal that there was a study done by Rutgers University, located in New Jersey, which did confirm concerns about yellow dyes being toxic to your health.

According to the EPA website “PCBs belong to a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. PCBs were domestically manufactured from 1929 until their manufacture was banned in 1979. They have a range of toxicity and vary in consistency from thin, light-colored liquids to yellow or black waxy solids. Due to their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point, and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications including electrical, heat transfer, and hydraulic equipment; as plasticizers in paints, plastics, and rubber products; in pigments, dyes, and carbonless copy paper; and many other industrial applications.” In1979 there was a ban placed on PCBs prohibiting the use of them in the United States because as stated on the EPA website, “PCBs have been demonstrated to cause cancer, as well as a variety of other adverse health effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and endocrine system.”

This was exactly why there was concern raised when Rutgers University found PCB-11’s in yellow dyes that are used on a wide range of textiles. A video and additional articles are provided in the embedded links below.

With the bulk of our products being outsourced or manufactured in other countries we need to be more aware about the standards and restrictions those countries have on their production processes. Unfortunately the United States banning PCBs doesn’t do us much good if they aren’t banned in the countries where we produce our goods. 

Additional articles on the concerns about yellow dyes can be found by clicking on the link provided.





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