Holi 2024: The festival of colours is almost here, and those who love to celebrate it can’t wait to immerse themselves in the vibrant hues of Holi. Holi is especially popular among children, and the festival often begins at least a week before the main festivities. While the explosion of colors is a visual treat and getting drenched in colored water is enjoyable, the festival’s excitement can be tainted by chemical-based colors, which can spoil the fun and have a variety of negative effects on health, including skin issues, eye problems, and respiratory problems.
Unlike in the past, when playing Holi with flowers posed no health risk, today’s colours are created artificially with industrial dyes or oxidized metals mixed with oil. Lead oxide, chromium iodide, copper sulphate, mercury sulphite, and aluminum bromide are common ingredients in Holi colours.
Endotoxins and heavy metals, such as lead, can cause moderate to severe health issues in humans. It’s no surprise that after Holi, many people visit doctor’s clinics and hospitals with complaints of skin problems, respiratory tract infections, conjunctivitis, corneal aberration, and ocular damage.
Holi is a colorful festival, but the chemicals in the colors used can be harmful to your health. They frequently contain hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, and asbestos.
Harmful Effects of Holi Colours
Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant-Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, explains the negative effects of Holi colours:
• Skin Irritation and Allergies: Chemical colours can cause skin irritation, redness, itching, and a burning sensation. People with sensitive skin are more susceptible to these issues.
• Eye Problems: If chemical colours enter the eyes, they can cause irritation, redness, watering, and even temporary blindness.
• Cancer: Some of the chemicals used in Holi colors, such as lead and chromium, are carcinogenic and can increase the risk of cancer with long-term exposure.
According to Dr. Deepa Dewan, Senior Director- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurgaon, Golf Course Road, Holi colours can be toxic and pose serious health risks to pregnant women, as well as cause respiratory issues.
• Eye Irritation: If chemical colours come into direct contact with the eyes, they can cause irritation, redness, and even temporary blindness. Pregnant women are especially prone to eye irritation due to hormonal changes that make their eyes more sensitive.
• Respiratory Problems: During Holi celebrations, fine particles of chemical colours can become airborne, causing respiratory problems such as coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and exacerbation of asthma. Pregnant women may experience increased respiratory sensitivity during pregnancy.
• Toxicity: Many chemical-based colours contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, chromium, and ammonia, which can be absorbed through the skin and pose serious health risks, particularly to pregnant women and their developing foetuses. Exposure to these toxins can cause developmental abnormalities and other pregnancy complications.
• Environmental Pollution: Chemical colours not only harm human health but also have a negative impact on the environment. They can contaminate water bodies, soil, and vegetation, causing ecological damage and posing long-term threats to biodiversity.
“To reduce these risks, use natural and eco-friendly colours derived from plant sources such as turmeric, beetroot, spinach, and flowers. Pregnant women should avoid direct contact with chemical-based colors, which may contain hazardous substances such as heavy metals and synthetic dyes. To reduce toxin exposure, choose natural and eco-friendly colours derived from plant sources. Consider wearing gloves, sunglasses, and a cap or scarf to shield your hands, eyes, and hair from color splashes. This can help reduce the likelihood of skin and eye irritation,” says Dr. Dewan.
Tips To Play Safe Holi
Dr Tayal shares some tips for staying safe during Holi:
• Experiment with herbal colours created from natural ingredients such as flowers, leaves, and vegetables.
• Apply coconut oil or moisturizer to your skin before playing Holi to create a barrier against the colours.
• Wear sunglasses and a scarf to shield your eyes and nose from the coloured powder.
• Avoid contact with your eyes and mouth.
• Rinse your hair and body thoroughly with clean water after playing Holi.
• If you have any skin irritation, redness, or breathing problems, consult a doctor immediately.