title: Sensitization to azo dyes: negative patch tests to yellow and red azo dyes in printed paper.
abstract: An over 2 x fold increase in para-aminoazobenzene allergy was observed in patients with allergic contact dermatitis during the years 1990-1991. Presuming that an increase in colour-printed newspapers might be a new unrecognized source of clinical allergy to azo dyes, patch tests were performed in 32 patients with an established p-aminoazobenzene allergy using a series of important azo dyes used in offset printing ink (Pigment Yellow 12, Pigment Yellow 13, Pigment Red 53, Pigment Red 57), as well as with dye-containing inks and specimens of colour-printed newspaper containing these azo dyes. In 25 out of the 32 patients (78%), positive patch tests were seen to textile azo dyes, in particular to Disperse Orange 3 (24 patients). In none of the 32 patients were reactions observed to the azo dyes used in printing ink, to the inks used or to the colour-printed paper specimens, indicating that these products were apparently not a cause of contact dermatitis in our group of patients with azo dye sensitization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Academic Hospital Dijkzigt, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Thierbach
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Geursen-Reitsma
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: van Joost
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001391:Azo Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010209:Paper; D010328:Patch Tests
chemical_list: D001391:Azo Compounds