title: Determination of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) in henna in the United Arab Emirates.
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.
authors.affiliation: Environment Management Sector, Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, UAE. Ayesha.AlSuwaidi@ead.ae
authors.forename: Ayesha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Suwaidi
authors.forename: Hafiz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ahmed
mesh_terms: D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D006202:Hair Dyes; D010655:Phenylenediamines / Q000032:analysis*; D014479:United Arab Emirates
chemical_list: D006202:Hair Dyes; D010655:Phenylenediamines; C029728:4-phenylenediamine