Benzidine and its acetylated metabolites in the urine of workers exposed to Direct Black 38

Urine samples of workers in a small-scale unit manufacturing Direct Black 38 were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography for the presence of benzidine and mono and diacetyl benzidine. Acetylated metabolites were found in all the urine samples, and benzidine was found in all except two. Two workers excreted very high levels of benzidine and its metabolites in their urine. This study highlights the potential risk of bladder cancer in such units of developing countries where manufacture of benzidine-based dyes is yet to be regulated.