Disperse Yellow 3 dye to be added to CEPA Schedule 1 List of Toxic Substances

The federal government has made a recommendation to add Disperse Yellow 3 – an azo disperse dye – to Schedule 1 (List of Toxic Substances) under CEPA 1999. These dyes are used in textile fabrication, and according to the supporting documentation they frequently end up in municipal wastewater streams, since most textile mills offer little or no pre-treatment. 

While, CWWA supports the elimination of known environmental and human health threats, it’s important that, in this case, the dye is managed at the textile mill either by application techniques that reduce the amount of waste dye, or by using alternatives. In consultation with our Wastewater and Stormwater Committee it was also noted that many municipalities may already have discharge limits as part of their municipal bylaws.