A senior official of Abu Dhabi Municipality has warned that black henna contains toxic chemicals which can cause burns, allergic reactions and can be fatal if used extensively.

Khaleefa Al Romaithi, public health administration director at the Municipality told XPRESS that through their awareness campaigns, they are trying to spread the message that `traditionally there is nothing called black henna,` the Gulf News reported.

He said dangerous chemicals and even petrol, car oil and hair dye are mixed with henna to give a black tint to the natural reddish-brown colour of henna.

Al Romaithi warned that certain chemicals used in black henna can drastically reduce the oxygen levels in the body.

However, despite the ban by both Abu Dhabi Municipality and Dubai Municipality, women say black henna is still being used at private parties and desert safaris.