Those caring for individuals working in this industry should be reminded that henna powder can be a source of occupational asthma. Henna is a water-soluble powder derived from the leaves and roots of a Middle Eastern shrub. Its active ingredient is reported to be napho-quinone. It's used as a hair dye and to treat acne and brittle fingernails. Bulathsinghala used two packages of a dye called Eagle's Export Quality black henna powder made in New Delhi, India.
Instructions call for mixing it with water and applying it to the hair.
Bulathsinghala had a 25-year career as a singer known for blending Sri Lankan folk songs with North Indian music. She was also a music teacher and held the position of assistant director of education in music on the island off the southeast tip of India. Coroner's spokesman Scott Carrier said some Sri Lanka newspapers are calling for an investigation into the singer's death. That's unlikely, he said, because the dye was not manufactured here. I have just recently discovered this stuff, and would like to find places that sell it locally.