Holi 2024: Harmful results of chemical Holi colors in your well being

Holi 2024: The pageant of colors is sort of right here and individuals who like to rejoice it can’t wait to soak themselves within the vibrant hues of Holi. Children particularly are fairly keen on Holi and for a lot of of them the pageant begins at the very least every week earlier than the principle festivities. While the blast of colors is a visible deal with and getting drenched within the colored water is a pleasure, the thrill of the pageant will be marred by chemical-based colors that may play spoilsport, and result in many dangerous results on well being from pores and skin points, eye issues to respiratory troubles. (Also learn | Holi 2024: 4 tips to celebrate the festival of colours in a safe and eco-friendly way)

Unlike earlier instances when there was completely no well being hazard in enjoying Holi with colors fabricated from flowers, in fashionable instances colors are created artificially with industrial dyes or oxidized metals blended with oil. Harmful chemical compounds like lead oxide, chromium iodide, copper sulphate, mercury sulphite and aluminium bromide are broadly utilized in Holi colors.

Hazardous chemical compounds similar to endotoxins and heavy metals, like lead, may cause average to extreme well being drawback in individuals. No surprise publish Holi celebrations, many individuals make rounds to physician’s clinics and hospitals complaining of pores and skin points, respiratory tract an infection, conjunctivitis, corneal aberration and ocular harm.

Holi is a vibrant pageant of colors, however the chemical-laden colors used can pose a risk to your well being. They usually comprise dangerous chemical compounds similar to lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, and asbestos.

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF HOLI COLOURS

Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant-Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram explains the dangerous results of Holi colors:

• Skin irritation and allergic reactions: Chemical colors may cause pores and skin irritation, redness, itching, and burning sensation. People with delicate pores and skin are extra susceptible to those issues.

• Eye issues: Chemical colors may cause eye irritation, redness, watering, and even momentary blindness in the event that they get into the eyes.

• Cancer: Some of the chemical compounds utilized in Holi colors, similar to lead and chromium, are carcinogenic and may enhance the danger of most cancers with extended publicity.

Dr Deepa Dewan, Senior Director- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurgaon, Golf Course Road says Holi colors may cause toxicity and pose critical well being dangers to pregnant girls and result in respiratory points.

Eye irritation: Direct contact with chemical colors may cause irritation, redness, and even momentary blindness if the color enters the eyes. Pregnant girls are notably weak to eye irritation on account of hormonal adjustments that may make their eyes extra delicate.

Respiratory issues: The superb particles of chemical colors can develop into airborne throughout Holi celebrations, resulting in respiratory issues similar to coughing, sneezing, issue respiratory, and exacerbation of circumstances like bronchial asthma. Pregnant girls could expertise heightened respiratory sensitivity throughout being pregnant.

Toxicity: Many chemical-based colors comprise poisonous substances similar to lead, mercury, chromium, and ammonia, which will be absorbed via the pores and skin and will pose critical well being dangers, particularly for pregnant girls and their creating foetuses. Exposure to those toxins can result in developmental abnormalities and different problems throughout being pregnant.

Environmental air pollution: Chemical colors not solely hurt human well being but in addition have adversarial results on the setting. They can contaminate water our bodies, soil, and vegetation, resulting in ecological harm and posing long-term dangers to biodiversity.

“To mitigate these risks, it is advisable to use natural and eco-friendly colours made from plant-based sources such as turmeric, beetroot, spinach, and flowers. Pregnant women should avoid direct contact with chemical-based colours, which can contain harmful substances like heavy metals and synthetic dyes. Opt for natural and eco-friendly colours made from plant-based sources to minimise exposure to toxins. Consider wearing gloves, sunglasses, and a cap or scarf to protect your hands, eyes, and hair from colours splashes. This can help reduce the risk of skin and eye irritation,” says Dr Dewan.

TIPS TO PLAY SAFE HOLI

Dr Tayal shares some ideas for staying secure throughout Holi:

• Play with natural colors produced from pure components like flowers, leaves, and greens.

• Apply coconut oil or moisturizer to your pores and skin earlier than enjoying Holi to create a barrier towards the colors.

• Wear sun shades and a shawl to guard your eyes and nostril from the colored powder.

• Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.

• Wash your hair and physique completely with clear water after enjoying Holi.

• If you expertise any pores and skin irritation, redness, or respiratory issues, seek the advice of a physician instantly.