Healthy Holi: Tips to stay safe from synthetic color-related health issues

Team Udayavani, Mar 23, 2024, 8:02 AM IST

Image for representation(PTI)

Holi, the festival of colors, is approaching, and we are all ready to celebrate. Aside from the festive spirit, we must also consider our skin and health while plating with hues.

What are the health risks of synthetic colors?

It is not, just that synthetic colors have a different spectrum of health risks. But there are some risks which are common to all colors.

People who have respiratory difficulties or are prone to asthma experience irritation when colors are thrown upon each other. Once the colors reach the nose, they can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, causing people to sneeze and develop allergic rhinitis. Powdered colors can enter the respiratory tract and nose causing allergies.

Water balloons may be harmful at times as they burst after hitting the target and if colored water enters the ears can be the reason for ear problems. These are some problems that are common with any color.

But synthetic colors contain metallic particles such as mercury, lead, and mica, to give a shine. Some colors may also contain silica, and chromium, which can directly lead to asthma and bronchitis if they enter our body system. In the long run, these chemicals can even turn to be carcinogenic.

As a dermatologist, I would also stress skin care. A lot of skin allergies, dermatitis, itching, irritation, and rashes, might happen due to synthetic colors. It may also affect the scalp causing scalp irritation, drying of the hair shaft and also leading to hair loss.

These colors are also harmful if they enter the eyes causing corneal abrasions or people suffer from reddening and watering of the eyes.

In what ways one can take precautions?

•It is advisable to use organic colors from natural sources
•Apply oil to the body and scalp before applying colors
•Wear full-sleeved clothes
•Wear spectacles/ goggles when playing in the sun or try to keep your eyes closed
•After playing with colors, it is vital to wash off the colors properly with mild soap and water; avoid too much rubbing to remove colors
•Apply moisturizers after bath

Dr. Piyali Chatterjee,
Consultant Dermatologist,
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata