What is it?
p-Phenylenediamine  (PPD) is the parent compound for permanent hair dyes and a component in many products and processes.

How can I avoid it?
The chemical substance is found in hair dyes in the United States and England but is not used in continental Europe and Scandinavia. Most cases of PPD sensitivity arise from the use of permanent hair dyes. Fully developed (oxidized), PPD dye is not longer an allergen, so hair or fur that has already been dyed is safe.For persons who want to continue dying their hair, semi-permanent (not containing PPD) or temporary hair dyes are a good alternative. For a hairdresser, it is best to avoid dying clients’ hair. Wearing of latex, nitrile or 4-H gloves is helpful but interferes with manual dexterity.Besides avoiding PPD, patients may also be sensitive to the hair dye chemicals p-Toluenediamine; p-Aminodiphnylamine; 2,4-Diaminoanisloe; and o-Aminophenol. Allergic individuals should be cautious about using permanent hair colors with these chemicals.Occasionally individuals with PPD sensitivity can react to other smilar chemicals including sulfa drugs, sulfonylurea diabetes medication, p-Amino salicylic acid, procain anesthetics, and p-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA containing) sunscreens.

Uses:
  • Azo dyes—primary intermediate in the production
  • Cosmetics, particularly dark colored (eye brow pencils, etc.)
  • Elastic leg supports bandages and stockings
  • Epoxy resin hardeners
  • Fur dyes
  • Gasoline
  • Greases
  • Hair dyes (permanent)
  • Leather dyes
  • Lithography (printing inks)
  • Milk testing
  • Oils
  • Photocopying
  • Photographic developers
  • Rubber and plastic (antioxidants and accelerators)
  • Shoe dyes
  • Temporary tattoos
  • Textiles
  • X-ray processing fluids

Other names for p-Phylenediamine:
  • 1,4-Benzonediamine
  • 1,4-Diaminobenzene
  • 1,4-Phenylenediamine
  • 4-aminoaniline
  • 4-Phenylenediamine
  • Orsin
  • p-Aminoaniline
  • p-Aminoanitral
  • para-phenylenediamine
  • p-Diaminobenzene
  • PPD
  • Rodol D
  • Ursol DAzo dyes, aniline dyes:
  • Acridine Red
  • Orange II
  • Sufrinin
  • Malachite green
  • Sudan IV
  • Many others

Potential cross-reacting/co-reacting substances:
  • “Caine” drugs used as topical anesthetics (benzocaine, procaine)
  • Antibiotics
  • Food dyes (citrus red 2, sunset yellow)
  • Hydrochlorothiazide
  • Parabens
  • PAS (para Aminosalicylic acid)-tuberculosis drug
  • Rectal suppositories
  • Rubber antioxidants
  • Shoe dyes
  • Sulfonamides
  • Troches or lozenges
  • Other para-Amino compounds
  • Para-Aminobenzoic acid
  • Sulfanilamide
  • p-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
  • p-Aminophenol (PAP)
  • p-toluylenediamine
  • Disperse Orange 3 (DOR3)
  • p-Aminoazobenzene (PAAB)
  • 4,4’-Diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM)
  • Other disperse dyes

How safe is it?

Hang tight. We're thinking.