Name: Kate
Message: I have been mixing (mostly Procion) dyes for my fiber arts class, with no mask or anything, and I was wondering if I was in danger of health risks. I heard that the powder is very toxic.. is this a rumor?

The dye powder is not highly toxic, that is, it does not cause immediate symptoms of toxicity. However, the powder in Procion MX dyes, like ALL powders, should not be inhaled. It is best to act as though it were very toxic, just to avoid any problems.

The risks from fiber reactive dyes, such as Procion MX dyes, appear to be quite low as long as you do not inhale or otherwise consume them. They are considered quite safe to use after they have been dissolved in water.

While the fiber reactive dyes do not appear to be among the more dangerous dyes known, as far as toxicity or carcinogenicity are concerned, the fact that they have not been found to be safe for human consumption means that they may have some long-term risks, given repeated excessive exposures. Of course, those who work in dye factories or in facilities that repackage dyes, and are thus exposed continually, are at much greater risk than those who use them only occasionally.

The real KNOWN risk with these dyes, however, is that of allergy. People who breathe in Procion MX or any other dye powder are apt to develop allergies to it, sometimes with resulting severe asthma. Once you have developed an allergy to this type of dye, you will never again be able to use it at all, nor to be in the same room when someone else uses it. It is important to take all reasonable precautions to avoid exposures that may cause you to develop this allergy yourself.

Carol Bryer Fallert is one well-known dye artist who developed an allergy to Procion MX dye; fortunately, she was able to switch to another class of fiber reactive dyes, and thus did not have to give up her career. She writes, on her web site, that the Cibacron F dyes seem to be slightly less likely to float around in the air, and thus may be safer, but she nonetheless wears a vapor and mist respirator while weighing out dye powder.

While there is always the possibility of some toxicity or carcinogenicity in any household chemical or cleanser, there is no need to panic about small exposures to fiber reactive dyes. A nice feature of the fiber reactive dyes is that they react very quickly with proteins, such as those in the skin, so any minor spill is apt to become permanently affixed to the dead cells on the surface of the skin, rather than being absorbed into living cells within the body. This may not apply to dye that is taken onto the lungs or the digestive tract, however. It is certainly advisable to wear a dust mask, or, preferably, a respirator with a particulate filter. I am sure that OSHA would disapprove very much if they learned that you were not wearing a mask while weighing out dyes for your job!

It is your right as an employee to obtain MSDS (Materials Data Safety Sheets) for all chemicals that you use in your work. You should request these from the company that supplies your dyes.