Azo dyes are the colorants approved by the FDA for food, textile and cosmetic use. The word comes from the French word azote or nitrogen, derived from the Greek ('a) "not" and zoe (life) or "not life" (unnatural). These dyes are the by product of industry and are made from coal tar and petroleum.
Coal tars, discovered around 1665 were being used medicinally by the 1800's in psoriasis, dandruff and lice treatments. This by product became the key to the early pharmaceutical industry and is currently listed (although carcinogenic) on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines.
Mean while, pine tar, the historic, natural alternative is banned.
While this is surprising, it is more common than we'd like to imagine. Another coal tar derivative that we are familiar with comes as an analgesic or pain killer. Paracetamol better known as acetaminophen was derived from an older drug that caused kidney and liver problem that was known by the trade name Antifebrin.
Coal tar is used to make pavement, seal roads, repair roofing and manufacture paints. Some places, like Austin Texas, Washington D.C, Wisconsin and a few other localities even ban it for use on their streets because of the pollution risk.
In 2014 the federal government considered banning its use in jeans.
The metabolites of coal tars are believed to bind to cells and damage DNA. Long term workers in industries that handle these chemicals show increase in all types of cancers although when it comes to consumer research in regards of over the counter preparations, the studies are inconclusive.
If its not okay on our roads and not okay to wear on our skin, as indicated by these separate and unconnected incidents, how then are we still consuming in such high doses, synthetically colored items?
Being holistic is not just watching what you eat, it is being more considerate of how you live in totality with the world around you.
Plant based dyes were the past. Plant based dyes are the future.
Ancient Future, indeed.
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