After reading the information below, Blu-Kote sounds pretty safe to me unless you intend to drink it or take a daily bath in it.
From Wikipedia
One study in mice demonstrated dose-related carcinogenic potential at several different organ sites.[25][26] The Food and Drug Administration in the US has determined that gentian violet has not been shown by adequate scientific data to be safe for use in animal feed. Use of gentian violet in animal feed causes the feed to be adulterated and is a violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in the US. On June 28, 2007, the US food and Drug Administration issued an "import alert" on farm raised seafood from China because unapproved antimicrobials, including gentian violet, had been consistently found in the products. The FDA report states:
"Like MG [malachite green], CV [crystal violet] is readily absorbed into fish tissue from water exposure and is reduced metabolically by fish to the leuco moiety, leucocrystal violet (LCV). Several studies by the National Toxicology Program reported that the carcinogenic and mutagenic effects of crystal violet in rodents. It has also been linked to increased risk of human bladder cancer. The leuco form induces renal, hepatic and lung tumor in mice."[27]
Gentian violet's common side effect is the staining skin and cloth, but it can easily be washed off skin with a solution of bleach and water. However, if used on ulcerations or open wounds it can cause tattooing. It is generally considered safe for use on children and breastfeeding mothers. It has even been applied to the mouth and lips of premature infants, and has a long history of safe use. La Leche League recommends gentian violet for thrush on the nipple.[28] However, in large quantities, gentian violet may lead to ulceration of a baby's mouth and throat and is linked with mouth cancer.[29] Gentian violet has also been linked to cancer in the digestive tract of other animals.[30
One study in mice demonstrated dose-related carcinogenic potential at several different organ sites.[25][26] The Food and Drug Administration in the US has determined that gentian violet has not been shown by adequate scientific data to be safe for use in animal feed. Use of gentian violet in animal feed causes the feed to be adulterated and is a violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in the US. On June 28, 2007, the US food and Drug Administration issued an "import alert" on farm raised seafood from China because unapproved antimicrobials, including gentian violet, had been consistently found in the products.
The FDA report states:
"Like MG [malachite green], CV [crystal violet] is readily absorbed into fish tissue from water exposure and is reduced metabolically by fish to the leuco moiety, leucocrystal violet (LCV). Several studies by the National Toxicology Program reported that the carcinogenic and mutagenic effects of crystal violet in rodents. It has also been linked to increased risk of human bladder cancer. The leuco form induces renal, hepatic and lung tumor in mice."[27]
Gentian violet's common side effect is the staining skin and cloth, but it can easily be washed off skin with a solution of bleach and water. However, if used on ulcerations or open wounds it can cause tattooing. It is generally considered safe for use on children and breastfeeding mothers. It has even been applied to the mouth and lips of premature infants, and has a long history of safe use. La Leche League recommends gentian violet for thrush on the nipple.[28] However, in large quantities, gentian violet may lead to ulceration of a baby's mouth and throat and is linked with mouth cancer.[29] Gentian violet has also been linked to cancer in the digestive tract of other animals.[30
From eHow Health
Gentian violet is a type of dye derived from coal powder. Law enforcement professionals often use gentian violet for fingerprinting, while in medicine, doctors sometimes recommend gentian violet for fungal infections.
Common Side Effect
The most common side effect associated with gentian violet is a temporary staining of your skin due to the dye's purplish-blue tint.
Cancer Risk
A 1985 study conducted at the National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson, Arkansas and published by Oxford University Press showed that gentian violet produced cancerous cells in mice. Most cancers were located in the bladder, uterus, ovaries and vagina.
Expert Insight
Since the 1985 study, no subsequent research has shown a similar link between gentian violet and cancer. The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration lists no potential health risks related to exposure to the dye.
Warning
If you experience skin irritation such as redness or swelling while using gentian violet, consult your doctor as this could be a sign of allergy or sensitivity to the chemical, warns the Mayo Clinic.
Considerations
If you suffer from an skin ulcers or have open wounds, avoid using gentian violet as this could cause the discoloration or staining of your skin to become permanent like a tattoo, cautions the Mayo Clinic
