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. 2010 Apr;7(4):1681-93.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph7041681. Epub 2010 Apr 13.

Determination of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) in henna in the United Arab Emirates

Ayesha Al-Suwaidi  1 , Hafiz Ahmed
Affiliations

Determination of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) in henna in the United Arab Emirates

Ayesha Al-Suwaidi et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2010 Apr.

Abstract

Henna is very popular in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); it is part of the culture and traditions. Allergy to natural henna is not usual; however the addition of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) to the natural henna increases the risk of allergic contact dermatitis. The objectives of the study were to identify the presence and concentration of PPD in henna available in UAE. Fifteen henna salons were selected randomly from three cities in UAE. Twenty five henna samples were acquired from these selected salons. The presence of PPD in henna samples was determined qualitatively and quantitatively using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The study showed that PPD was present in all of the black henna samples at concentrations ranging between 0.4% and 29.5% and higher than that recommended for hair dyes in most of the black henna samples. The presence of PPD in the black henna increases the risk of allergic contact dermatitis among users of black henna and a number of cases have already been reported in UAE.

Keywords: G6PD deficiency; UAE; contact allergy; henna; para-phenylenediamine; renal failure.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Chromatogram of PPD in black henna sample 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Chromatogram of PPD in black henna sample 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Chromatogram of PPD in black henna sample 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Chromatogram of PPD in black henna sample 4.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Chromatogram of PPD in black henna sample 5.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Chromatogram of PPD in black henna sample 6.
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Chromatogram of PPD in black henna sample 7.
Figure 8.
Figure 8.
Chromatogram of PPD in black henna sample 8.
Figure 9.
Figure 9.
Chromatogram of PPD in black henna sample 9.
Figure 10.
Figure 10.
Chromatogram of PPD in black henna sample 10.
Picture 1.
Picture 1.
Hand dermatitis, reaction to black henna.
Picture 2.
Picture 2.
Positive reaction to patch test done using 0.1% PPD.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. http://en.wikipedia.org/Henna
    1. Pasricha JS, Grupta R, Panjwani S. Contact dermatitis to henna (Lawsonia) Contact Dermatitis. 1980;6:288–289. - PubMed
    1. Environmental Protection Agency Health and Environmental Effects Profile for Phenylenediamines EPA/600/x-85/113Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office, Office of Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development; Cincinnati, OH, USA: 1985
    1. Department of Health and Human Services . Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB, online database) National Toxicology Information Program, National Library of Medicine; Bethesda, MD, USA: 1993.
    1. Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) Opinion on P-phenylenediamine. Public Health and Risk Assessment; 9th plenary meeting; Brussels, Belgium. 10 October 2006.

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