The festival of colours is almost here and people who love to celebrate it cannot wait to soak themselves in the vibrant hues of Holi. Children especially are quite fond of Holi and for many of them the festival begins at least a week before the main festivities.
While the blast of colours is a visual treat and getting drenched in the coloured water is a joy, the excitement of the festival can be marred by chemical-based colours that can play spoilsport, and lead to many harmful effects on health from skin issues, eye problems to respiratory troubles.
Harmful Effects Of Holi Colours On Your Health
• Skin irritation and allergies: Chemical colours can cause skin irritation, redness, itching, and burning sensation. People with sensitive skin are more prone to these problems.
• Eye problems: Chemical colours can cause eye irritation, redness, watering, and even temporary blindness if they get into the eyes.
• Cancer: Some of the chemicals used in Holi colours, such as lead and chromium, are carcinogenic and can increase the risk of cancer with prolonged exposure.
•Eye irritation: Direct contact with chemical colours can cause irritation, redness, and even temporary blindness if the colour enters the eyes. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to eye irritation due to hormonal changes that can make their eyes more sensitive.
•Respiratory problems: The fine particles of chemical colours can become airborne during Holi celebrations, leading to respiratory problems such as coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and exacerbation of conditions like asthma.
How To Stay Healthy and Play Safe Holi
Some tips for staying safe during Holi:
• Play with herbal colors made from natural ingredients like flowers, leaves, and vegetables.
• Apply coconut oil or moisturizer to your skin before playing Holi to create a barrier against the colors.
• Wear sunglasses and a scarf to protect your eyes and nose from the colored powder.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.
• Wash your hair and body thoroughly with clean water after playing Holi.
• If you experience any skin irritation, redness, or breathing problems, consult a doctor immediately.
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.