HOLIDAYMAKERS are being warned of the risks of temporary tattoos.

North Yorkshire Trading Standards officers are keen to make tourists aware of the risks associated with temporary black henna tattoos offered in many resorts.

The warning comes after North Yorkshire assistant coroner Geoff Fell heard evidence about the effects of para-phenylenediamene, also known as PPD, during the inquest into the death of Julie McCabe from Cowling, near Keighley.

Mrs McCabe suffered a severe anaphylactic shock and fell into a coma after using hair dye in 2011. Medical evidence presented at the inquest showed it was likely that she had been sensitised to PPD in the hair dye by having a “black henna” tattoo containing high levels of PPD during a holiday in Dubai in 2007.

Jo Boutflower, head of business and consumer services at North Yorkshire council, said: “We’re urging people to act with extreme caution before having a temporary tattoo or allowing their children to have one. We’d also encourage people to report any allergic reactions to hair dyes or cosmetic products to the manufacturers so they are aware of the scale of any problems.”

Anyone concerned about a black henna product they have seen for sale or bought online or in the UK can report it to Citizens Advice on 03454 040506.