Chemical name: [1,1'-Biphenyl]-4,4'-diamine

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Industrial

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

Benzidine and mixtures containing 0.1% or more of Benzidine are banned for manufacture, import and use as an industrial chemicals. No remaining uses are allowed, except for the use mentioned below.

Use or uses that remain allowed:

Use of the chemical for research or laboratory purposes is allowed.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes

Summary of the final regulatory action:

Benzidine and mixtures containing 0.1% or more of Benzidine are banned for manufacture, import and use as an industrial chemical. No remaining uses are allowed.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Benzidine is a carcinogen to humans (IARC Group 1) and it causes irritation of eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Laboratory studies show it is genotoxic in bacterial and mammalian assays, including a transplacental micronucleus test.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health:

It is expected that the regulatory action will significantly reduce the potential risk of carcinogenic effect to workers and others involved in dye manufacturing industry.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 13/11/2003

Benzidine and its mixtures were banned for manufacture use and import by MOE's Public Notice No. 1996-75 (1 June 1996) Final amended notice which designated mixtures containing 0.1% or more of any of them as banned chemical took force on 13 November 2003.