explanation
Azo dyes are the most important dyes used for textiles, flooring and plastics. Several of the dyes release carcinogenic amines by reductive cleavage. Aromatic amines may penetrate the skin and enter the body. For textile and leather parts intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the human skin or oral cavity, the use of azo dyes that may release carcinogenic amines has already been prohibited under EU Directive 76/769/EEC. In spite of possible intensive skin contact, the use of such azo dyes in flooring is not prohibited at the EU level.
Dyes and pigments which may release or, by reductive cleavage, form carcinogenic amines must not be used (quantification limit in accordance with DIN 53316: 5 mg/kg).
Amines are regarded as carcinogenic if they have been classified as carcinogenic in accordance with Directive 67/548/EEC or, as A1, A2 or C in Section III of the Austrian Regulation on Limit Values.
Supporting documents:
Manufacturer's confirmation.
All products bearing one of the following organic labels meet these criteria:
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minimum requirement
background, sources