Use of Azo dyes can harm Pak textile exports - PBEA
25 Feb '12
2 min read
Pakistani textile exporters have expressed concern that use of banned Azo dyes in processing textiles and leather items can endanger the brightening prospects of textile exports to the European Union nations.
Azo dyes are usually used in colouring textiles and leather, but some of these dyes have a tendency of emitting aromatic amines that pose cancer threat.
Shabir Ahmed, Chairman of Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association (PBEA) revealed that several members have complained regarding the use of banned Azo dyes by some of the textile processing mills.
He informed that PBEA is planning to constitute an inquiry committee to identify such millers who are endangering the country's exports by utilising such dyes which are banned across the globe, as though being low-priced these are harmful to human health.
EU and several other developed nations have formed laws restraining exposure to these harmful amines, which means that Azo dyes emitting aromatic amines cannot be used for dyeing textile and leather goods that get into direct contact with skin, Mr. Ahmed said.
He cautioned that the use of Azo dyes is a serious issue that needs to be addressed promptly before the same being noticed by foreign buyers, as it may then cause an irretrievable harm to the nation's economy.