Handle with great care. When inhaled it can cause sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath and lung oedema. If ingested, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea may result with kidney damage. This is a corrosive substance that will cause burns to eyes, skin and mucous membranes. It is a toxic substance that can be absorbed through the skin.
Toxicity causes weakness, confusion, diarrhoea and skin rashes.
It is a mild irritant. Its effects upon humans has not been quantified but other dyes in this group are very toxic and carcinogenic. It is an animal mutagen and should not be handled during pregnancy. The powder is an eye and respiratory tract irritant. Its toxicity in humans has not been quantified but it has proven to be highly toxic to laboratory animals.