Holi 2024: How synthetic colors are harmful to you?

By Nancy Tiwari  |  First Published Mar 21, 2024, 5:20 PM IST

As we eagerly await the arrival of Holi, let us not forget to prioritize our personal health and well-being, even in the heart of the celebrations. Let us celebrate this Holi with vibrant colours, joyful friendship, caution and taking care of ourselves and those around us.

The colorful festival of Holi is quickly approaching, and those who enjoy it are eager to immerse themselves in its vivid colors. For many children, the festival of Holi starts at least one week before the main celebrations, since they are particularly fond of it. It's an occasion when cities are alive with laughter, music, and color. 

However, in the midst of the celebration's chaos, it's crucial to take a moment to consider any potential health hazards associated with the vivid colors used.
To guarantee that everyone has a safe and pleasurable day, even though Holi is undoubtedly a time for celebration and unity, it's crucial to be aware of the risks associated with chemical-laden colors.

In contrast to the past, when playing Holi with flower-based colors posed no health risks, current colors are produced artificially using commercial dyes or oxidized metals combined with oil. 

These colors, which are frequently laden with dangerous chemicals and artificial dyes, can have severe repercussions on human health if not utilized with caution.

Some of the harmful effects are given here:

1. If chemical colors get into the eyes, they can irritate them, make them red, make them water, and perhaps induce blindness for a short time.
2. Chemical color can result in burning, itching, redness, and irritation of the skin. These issues are particularly common for those with sensitive skin.
3. Lead and chromium are two of the hazardous substances used in Holi colors, and extended exposure to these might raise the risk of cancer.
4. The risk of inhaling airborne particles from dried Holi colors is high, especially for people who already have respiratory diseases like asthma or allergies.
5. One of the main reasons to be concerned about chemical Holi colors is their propensity to trigger allergies and skin sensitivities.
 

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