Fatal Intoxications with Para-Phenylenediamine in Upper Egypt

Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is used alone or in combination with Henna as hair dye or skin decoration. A five year retrospective study from 2007 to December 2012 was conducted at Assiut Forensic Chemistry Laboratory of Medic-legal Department, Assiut, to understand the magnitude and pattern of accidental, suicidal and homicide poisoning by PPD among males and females in Upper Egypt. During this period, a total of 84 poisoning cases are reported. The suicidal, homicidal and accidental cases were (91.7%), (7.1%) and (1.2%), respectively. The suicidal poisoning of females was higher (67.9%) than of males (32.1%). Most of the PPD deaths were between the third and fourth decades of life. PPD is detected by HPLC-DAD in stomach contents, blood, liver and urine samples. The cases are reported with the advice "public education and strict control over the sale and distribution of PPD should be done to reduce poisoning by this agent.