Checks for use of dangerous chemical in henna tattoos

The Consumer and Competition Division has started carrying out inspections to check whether a potentially dangerous chemical is being used by local henna tattooists.

Godwin Mangion, the director of operations at the division, told The Times that all henna tattooists operating locally will be investigated.

The dangerous chemical sparking concern is para-phenylenediamine (PPD). According to the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products, when PPD is used for skin staining, active sensitisation can occur within a few weeks with the possibility of very severe reactions.

At least two people - including an eight-year-old British boy - have reported severe reactions after having a henna tattoo in Malta.

Mr Mangion said inspections were going to be held by technical people to ensure PPD was not being used by local henna tattooists.

Product safety inspector Jean Pierre Fava told The Times that the use of PPD in cosmetic products was banned but was permitted in hair dyes.

On the other hand, Mr Fava said, there was no proof that henna was dangerous. PPD is usually used in henna products to make the dye darker.

Yesterday, the Public Health Department issued a warning, saying: "Any person considering applying such a tattoo should check the labelling of the product prior to its application. If PPD is present on the labelling, the public should not allow the application of such a product."

It added that it was also considering the best way to regulate these practices. In addition, the department said, the EU is considering regulating the use of this chemical.

Contacted yesterday, health inspectorate manager John Attard Kingswell said the department was liasing with the Consumer and Competition Division to ensure that no henna containing PPD was used locally.

Reacting to media reports of adverse reactions to henna tattoos, the department said such allergies might have occurred due to the presence of PPD present in certain henna applications. Recent media reports said that an eight-year-old English boy - Owen Gillvray - could be "scarred for life" after having a dragon "tattooed" with henna on his back while on holiday in Malta.

A reader of The Times also sent a letter complaining of intense itching and redness, tiny blisters and seeping pus after having two henna tattoos done.

Further information is available from the Public Health Department on 2133 7333 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.