About azo compounds

　Azo compounds are a generic term for organic compounds with azo group (-N=N-). It is mainly used in a wide range of products, including clothing, leather products, pigments, and paper, as a pigment. However, some azo compounds are extracted by human sweat and may produce first-class aromatic amines (specific aromatic amines) with carcinogenic or potential by skin bacteria or enzymes in the human body.

　Since fiscal 2016, the Household Goods Regulation Law has established regulatory standards for azo compounds that easily produce 24 specific aromatic amines. This regulation standard has been added the most newest in the Household Goods Regulation Law. The reference value is that the specified aromatic amine generated when reduced is less than 30 μg (30 μg / g) per g. Azo compounds are regulated, but instead of measuring the azo compounds themselves, they measure specific aromatic amines generated under certain conditions.

　It is regulated for middle clothing (shirts, etc.), hats, bags, garments (mufflers, scarves, etc.), textile products such as towels and handkerchiefs, gloves, hats, floor rugs (including leather parts), etc. .

　Since fiscal 2016, when the laws and regulations on azo compounds were launched, Yokohama City Inst. of Health has been conducting annual inspections of azo compounds that easily produce specific aromatic amines. In fiscal 2020, benzidine and 4-amino biphenyl of specific aromatic amine, which exceeded the standard value, were detected in the Eri decoration (stole).