Azo dyes are usually used as vivid colouring agents, especially reds, oranges and yellows. Such dyes and pigments are mutagenic, carcinogenic and sometimes allergic. They are also not biodegradable and are difficult to remove from our ecosystem. Since September 2003, all EU countries have prohibited the manufacture and sale of consumer goods containing certain form of azo dyes - those that release specific aromatic amine groups. All kinds of textile and leather goods including clothing, towels, wigs, shoes, hats, nappies, gloves, handbags, bedding, etc. can contain Azo dyes, and the EU Directive covers all dyed consumer goods that often come into contact with the skin, including garment and toys.