DANGERS OF BLACK HENNA
Black henna is composed of a chemical dye called Paraphenylenediamine — also known as PPD — which is extremely toxic and can cause severe health problems, on a short and long term basis.
PPD is most often found in hair dyes and body art products. It is usually added to henna powder to produce a black stain instead of the reddish pigmentation found in natural henna.
Exposure to PPD based product is considered to be a serious health risk for individuals. A number of medical reseach have found PPD to cause hypersensitization of the immune system, severe edema, blistering, scarring, and in more severe cases, problems such as renal and liver failure, asthma, respiratory problems as well as certain types of cancer.
Since 2003, Health Canada has issued a public warning concerning the dangers of using PPD black henna. Sometimes, only one exposure to PPD can cause a series of long term health problems. So keep your health safe by using only natural henna.
Here are a few questions you need to ask the artist when thinking of getting a henna design:
• What kind of henna do you use?
• Is there PPD in your henna?
• Do you mix your own henna paste?
• What ingredients do you use?
• What colour will the stain be?
Remember that natural henna never produces a black stain. Once the paste is removed, it leaves a bright orange stains that oxydizes within 24 to 48 hours and turns to a dark reddish brown colour. Natural henna is a very safe product to use for body art or hair dye.
LINKS :: MORE INFORMATION OF PPD BLACK HENNA
• Health Canada Black Henna Warning
Since 2003, Health Canada has issued a warning of the dangers of using PPD black henna and its health risk.
• Temporary tattoos could lead to permanent problems
A few years ago, CBC Marketplace ran a segment on the dangers of temporary black henna tattoos. You can read the transcript on their site.
• Published Medical Articles on the PPD
List of numerous published medical journal articles regarding the serious health risk associated with the use of PPD Black henna and hair dyes.
• Krystle's Story
Krystle developed severe health problems a few days after having had a black henna design.
• All pictures used with permission from Henna Page.