Metabolic reduction of benzidine azo dyes to benzidine in the rhesus monkey.

Rhesus monkeys were fed azo dyes derived from benzidine (a known human bladder carcinogen). The urinary excretion of free benzidine was assayed and compared to the amount excreted when benzidine itself was fed. A substantial amount of the dye fed was converted to free benzidine. Results indicate that the simple precaution in the use of only azo dyes manufactured from noncarcinogenic aromatic amines, e.g., aniline, for all consumer products appears prudent.