Disperse blue dyes are blue-colored disperse dyes. Disperse dyes are used to color textiles. Disperse blue dyes are used to produce blue and other dark colors. Like other disperse dyes, they are only slightly soluble in water. However, they can be a source of water pollution.
Disperse blue dyes, especially Disperse Blue 106 and Disperse Blue 124, have a higher than usual prevalence of textile dermatitis. This means that people who are allergic to the dyes may develop allergic symptoms (e.g., a rash) when they wear clothes that have been colored with these dyes.
Types There are hundreds of disperse blue dyes. This table lists only a few. Some disperse dyes are also solvent dyes; for example, Disperse Blue 1 is the same chemical as Solvent Blue 18. +Partial list of disperse blue dyesColour Index Generic NumberCAS numberTypeConcernsReferenceDisperse Blue 1AnthraquinoneAllergy risk, water pollutionDisperse Blue 3Allergy risk, aqueous toxicityDisperse Blue 7Allergy risk, water pollutionDisperse Blue 26Allergy risk, water pollutionDisperse Blue 35Allergy riskDisperse Blue 74Methine dyesDisperse Blue 79Aqueous toxicityDisperse Blue 102Allergy risk, water pollutionDisperse Blue 106Textile allergy, water pollutionDisperse Blue 124Azo dyeTextile allergy, water pollutionDisperse Blue 165Cyano-substituted azo dyeDisperse Blue 183Cyano-substituted azo dyeWater pollutionDisperse Blue 257Cyano-substituted azo dyeDisperse Blue 291Water pollutionDisperse Blue 373Azo dyeWater pollution
Uses Disperse blue dyes are used for dyeing synthetic fibers, such as fabric made from nylon or polyester.
Allergies Some patch testing kits for allergens include a mix of Disperse Blue 106 and Disperse Blue 124, and other colors can be tested if a textile dye allergy is suspected. Treatment mostly involves not wearing dark-colored synthetic clothing.
Although allergies to dyes are not very common, the disperse blue dyes are among the most common textile allergies. The American Contact Dermatitis Society named it their Allergen of the Year in 2000.
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