p-Phenylenediamine — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

P-Phenylenediamine,is a white to slightly red crystalline substance, that is used in the production of hair dyes, synthetic fibers, and polyurethane. In addition, it is used as an additive to gasoline, a photographic developing agent, and as an intermediate in the production of rubber and antioxidants. P-Phenylenediamine has the molecular formula of C₆H₈N₂.

List of known side effects

There are several known side effects of p-Phenylenediamine. It is known to be toxic if swallowed and if inhaled. It may cause irritation in the skin and eyes. It may also cause asthma or breathing difficulties. Prolonged or repeated exposure to this chemical may cause damage to body organs. P-Phenylenediamine is also extremely toxic to the aquatic environment.

Body systems affected by p-Phenylenediamine

P-Phenylenediamine can be absorbed by the body through skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, and ingestion, and exposure to this chemical can affect several body systems. If it comes in contact with the skin, it may cause irritation and redness, thus affecting the integumentary system. It may also harm the ocular system through eye contact as it may cause redness, pain, swelling of the eyelids, blurred vision, and even permanent loss of vision. If inhaled, it may affect the respiratory system as it may cause cough, dizziness, headache, and labored breathing. In addition, it may cause irritation in the pharynx and larynx and bronchial asthma, thus affecting the respiratory system. Moreover, if ingested, it may cause abdominal pain, blue lips or fingernails, blue skin, convulsions, drowsiness, labored breathing, shortness of breath, vomiting, and weakness.

Items that can contain p-Phenylenediamine

The products that can contain p-Phenylenediamine are hair dye products and dyes used for dyeing furs.

How to avoid p-Phenylenediamine

One way to avoid p-Phenylenediamine is to refrain from using hair dyes that contain the chemical. Carefully reading the label of a product will help identify if it contains p-Phenylenediamine.

Where to learn more

• Are We Dying to Look Good: Natural Hair Coloring Ideas
• The Dangers in Hair Coloring and Safer Alternatives
• Skin care expert reveals the 20 most toxic chemical ingredients in beauty products… are you poisoning yourself?
• Suffering From Hair Colouring – A Chemical Overdose
• Beware of hidden toxin sources in new clothes – Always wash them before wearing

Summary

P-Phenylenediamine is used as a dye in hair dye products and fur dyes. It is also used as a photographic developing agent, an additive to gasoline, and as an intermediate in the production of rubber and antioxidants.

P-Phenylenediamine may irritate the eyes and skin.

P-Phenylenediamine is extremely toxic to the aquatic environment.

P-Phenylenediamine may adversely affect the ocular, respiratory, integumentary, digestive, and nervous systems.

Sources include:

NJ.gov

PubChem.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

CDC.gov 1

CDC.gov 2

EPA.gov

SafeCosmetics.org