Are Procion MX Dyes Environmentally Safe?

When using any chemical, it is important to take the appropriate safety precautions to prevent exposure to yourself and avoid any harmful releases to the environment. Although Procion MX dyes are considered safe, there are still general precautions that must be followed.

Function

• Procion MX dyes are used to color fibrous materials such as cotton and sisal. These dyes are praised for their ease of use, long shelf life and vibrant colors.

Personal Safety

• Procion MX dyes are considered safe for human use. According to Fibrecrafts, "There is no substantiated evidence of a causal link between exposure to Procion MX dyes and any chronic or fatal illnesses." However, sensible precautions should be taken, such as wearing a dust mask when using powders and wearing safety goggles to avoid getting the product in your eyes.

Environmental Safety

• Another concern with using dyes and chemicals is their impact on the environment. It is the user's responsibility to dispose of dye solutions in accordance with the product label and environmental laws. Fibrecrafts states that Procion MX dyes do not have an adverse effect on the environment "when used in the quantities recommended in the literature." Usually these dyes can be diluted and safely poured into county sewage systems. Consult the product label and material safety data sheet for more detailed disposal information.