This report assesses the risk to health and the environment presented by benzidine and three of its congeners (o-tolidine, dianisidine, and dichlorobenzidine) and by dyes and pigments derived from these compounds. Benzidine, o-tolidine, dianisidine and dichlorobenzidine are used almost entirely in the production of dyes and pigments used to color textiles, paper, leather, rubber, plastic products, printing inks, paints and lacquers. Several potential risks have been identified through a preliminary analysis of the exposure and hazards associated with these compounds. These include: (1) the oncogenic risk to workers exposed to imported benzidine-based dyes that contain high concentrations of free benzidine; (2) a similar risk to workers using domestically produced benzidine-based dyes (because there are no occupational exposure standards for either benzidine or its derivative dyes); (3) the risk to the general population that may result from exposure to benzidine-based dyes in such products as textiles and home dyes; and (4) risks of toxicity to aquatic life that may result from release of dichlorobenzidine into the environment.

"Assessment Division, Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances." "June 1980"--Cover. Includes bibliographical references (pages 48-53). "EPA-560/11-80-019"--Cover.