Many people turn to natural dyes because they are safe and non-toxic, so it is an important question to wonder whether the mordants that are used to fix the dyes are themselves safe.

Most of the mordants that are used for natural dyeing are common household materials, and are not seriously toxic.

Alum is the same as is sold in grocery stores for pickling. But I recommend that people never eat pickles with alum in them, that they also purchase alum free baking powder, and do not use anti perspirants which deliver alum into the body via the skin.

The same applies to the tin, although it's not sold in stores, people who drink canned fruit juices get incredible qualtities from the tinned can. As for iron - this is the same stuff that's in Geritol and other cheap iron supplements. Unless you drank a concentrated solution, it's not going to be of any harm.

The most important thing is to use caution and minimize your exposure. It is important to always use rubber gloves when you are mordanting so nothing is absorbed through the skin of the hands. Additionally, make sure kids or pets do not accidently drink the solution (it doesn't taste good at all so they normally wouldn't).

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