Guidelines for a Safe Holi
Holi has always been celebrated as the festival of colours in India; colours form an important part of the essence and spirit of Holi. However, ever increasing commercialisation has taken its toll on this festival and the people who celebrate it.
In earlier times, colours used for celebrating Holi were made from harmless natural ingredients such as flower petals. But, the colours most of us use these days are made from artificial chemicals and metals and these can have serious ill-effects on our health.
Chemicals In Artifical Holi Colours
Some specific colours which are quite popular during Holi and the chemicals they contain are the following:
- Black colour contains Lead Oxide which is known to cause kidney failure.
- Green colour contains Copper Sulphate. This chemical causes allergies in the eyes, resulting in puffiness and even temporary blindness.
- Silver colour is made from Aluminium Bromide which is carcinogenic in nature; it can cause cancer in humans.
- Blue colour consists of Persian Blue, a chemical that can cause skin diseases.
- Red colour, perhaps the most popular colour, contains a very harmful chemical – Mercury Sulphide; it is known to cause skin cancer.
Besides these particular colours, some general ingredients of colours can also have serious health repercussions. Dry colours, also known as gulal, often contain asbestos as a base. Asbestos can cause serious lung problems.
Many Holi colours available in the market contain heavy metals. Heavy metals, Mercury for example, are known to cause or worsen conditions such as asthma and skin diseases. Worst of all, heavy metals can cause corneal ulcers in the eyes.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to chemicals in the colours can cause skin ailments like Eczema and Dermatitis wherein the skin becomes scaly and blistered and starts to itch severely. Further, allergic reactions can also result in Rhinitis: a condition marked by a runny nose, congestion and sneezing.
People may also suffer from bouts of asthma, the symptoms of which are troubled breathing and shortness of breath. In some extreme cases, allergies caused by exposure to colours can cause chest pain, fever and pneumonia.
Organic Holi Colours
Going organic is a safe alternative to using such harmful, chemical-based colours. Organic colours, unlike the chemical-based ones, are made from 100% natural and safe ingredients. For example, organic yellow colour is made from turmeric and besan; green colour consists of mehendi, also known as henna.
Precautions For a Safe Holi
Besides organic colours, taking certain precautions is also important, when playing Holi, to avoid injuries, allergies and medical conditions.
- Before going out to play, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly, commonly called Vaseline, on your face and exposed skin. It prevents colours from sticking on to the skin.
- If your skin starts to itch or rashes appear, wash the affected part immediately with cold water and go see a doctor.
- Wearing hats or caps prevents water from abruptly splashing into the eyes and causing harm.
- If colour gets into your eyes, wash your eyes with plenty of cold water and keep rinsing for 2 – 3 minutes. You should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible because chemical colours may contain very small pieces of glass that can cause severe eye infections.
- Wear sun-glasses to protect your eyes and avoid putting on contact lenses when playing with colours.
- Inhaling colours can be extremely dangerous. Do not ignore it. Blow nose several times to flush out the colour and see a doctor as soon as you can. If you are asthmatic, use your inhaler in such a situation.
Happy Holi!
A little bit of awareness can make your Holi a lot safer and so much more enjoyable. We wish you and your family a very safe and a very Happy Holi.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.