CARTWRIGHT-JONES, CATHERINE GEOGRAPHY THE GEOGRAPHIES OF THE BLACK HENNA MEME ORGANISM AND THE EPIDEMIC OF PARA-PHENYLENEDIAMINE SENSITIZATION: A QUALITATIVE HISTORY Dissertation Advisor; James Tyner This qualitative history investigates the problem of the global epidemic of PPD sensitization through the epidemiology of the black henna meme organism. ‘Black henna’ contains para- phenylenediamine oxidative dye, a highly sensitizing chemical which produces delayed hypersensitivity reactions on the skin. ‘Black henna’ body art evolved from traditional henna body art when artists began to add para-phenylenediamine to traditional henna body art because the chemical dye produced a faster, more efficient, darker stain. This chemical addition caused blistering, scarring in the area of the pattern, with a reaction appearing five to twenty days after application in about 15% to 50% of the subjects. The connection between the body art and onset of the reaction was not well understood by patrons, and often not seen by the artists. The latent severe chemical sensitivities caused by these applications often remained invisible for years. The ‘black henna’ temporary tattoo became a popular souvenir of exotic destinations and local celebratory cosmetic, as well as a profitable informal economic venture for the artist; the understanding of the risks did not proliferate along with the ‘black henna’ meme. The ‘black henna’ meme replicated from local practice into global cultural geographies through pop culture, tourism, and the Internet. Online and print media commentary about ‘black henna’ This page should not be part of the submitted pdf. You will be asked to submit the abstract separately so just delete this page off to this version