Benzidine & dyes metabolized to benzidine

Benzidine is an organic compound with the formula (C₆H₄NH₂)₂. It's also known as 1,1'-biphenyl-4,4'-diamine. Benzidine is a crystalline solid that can be grayish-yellow, white, or reddish-gray.

It's slightly soluble in cold water, more soluble in hot water, and readily soluble in less-polar solvents such as diethyl ether and ethanol. It darkens on exposure to air and light.

Benzidine is a manufactured chemical that doesn't occur naturally. It's used in:

• Testing for cyanide
• Producing dyes for cloth, paper, and leather
• Detecting blood in clinical laboratories
• Rubber-compounding
• Manufacturing plastic films

Benzidine is a carcinogen. It's been linked to:

• Bladder cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Irritating the eyes, nose, and throat
• Causing reproductive damage in humans

Benzidine can get into the body through the lungs and intestine. Breathing, eating, or drinking benzidine-based dyes can also expose a person to benzidine