Yikes! Synthetic henna sounds... not so good

UAE University in Al Ain has published a study in the journal of Leukaemia and Lymphoma showing the rate of acute myeloid leukaemia in Emirati women was 93 per cent higher than in men, and 63 per cent higher than in expatriate women.

The scientists, who cautioned that the disease is still very rare, believe the henna Emirati women use to decorate their hands and feet may be a cause – but only when it is the banned synthetic kind.

"The henna here used here is often made with benzene, [which] is a well-documented factor causing this specific type of leukaemia," said Dr Inaam Hassan, an associate professor at the university.