Moneycontrol News March 19, 2024
Most of the colors being sold and used these days during Holi contain toxic agents and chemical solvents. The scented dry color (gulaal) might even have glass particles.
The chemicals present in the colours include mercury sulphite (red), lead oxide (black), copper sulphate (green), malachite green (green), rhodamine (bronze-red), and gentian violet. All these colors are toxic in one or another way. Malachite green is suspected to cause cancer.
These chemical-laden and abrasive Holi colors when applied on skin can cause rashes, minor cuts, allergies, and discoloration.
Some people might even develop severe skin reactions like blisters when using chemical colours during Holi celebrations.
Some people might even cause skin-related allergies like dermatitis and eczema. Both of them can lead to blisters, scaly skin, irritation and itching.
The colours can also cause eye problems like allergies, corneal abrasion and conjunctivitis. It can also cause allergic reactions including reddening, swelling, and watery eyes.
The colour can enter the mouth and aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which can lead to wheezing, coughing, and mucus production.
The colour can enter the mouth and aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which can lead to wheezing, coughing, and mucus production.
Commercially sold colours have tiny PM 10 particles that can damage the airway. People may experience difficulty in breathing and tend to run out of breath, even after any short physical activity.