3,3-Dimethylbenzidine Containing Dye

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance

**Definition:** A dye consisting of a diazotized dimethylbenzidine nucleus that can have a wide variety of colors depending on the chemical groups attached at the diazo linkages. 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine containing dyes are mainly used to color textiles, as biological stains and are used in color photography. All 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine containing dyes are possible mutagens and are reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens based on the fact that dimethylbenzidine-based dyes are metabolized in vivo to form free 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine. 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine is possibly carcinogenic in humans. (NCI05)