Be safe, play herbal Holi

KANPUR: Ahead of Holi, dyes, sprays, synthetic colours and glitters are being sold across the markets in the city. The people buying these products are least aware of the serious health problems.
The non-packed colours are likely to be adulterated with high content of chromium, silica, lead and alkaline material. To celebrate in 100 per cent natural and environment friendly way, herbal colours are available in the market.These natural and skin friendly gulal made of citronella, lemon grass and orange extracts and natural starch have no harmful chemicals, metals and toxins.
Varsha, a teacher, ensures that her two tiny tots are not exposed to synthetic. "My kids are eagerly waiting for Holi. Keeping in mind the toxic colours available in the market that are dangerous to use, I always buy herbal colours. Such colours are expensive but safe," she said.
Available in different shades like yellow, electric pink, orange and emerald green, a packet weighs 150 grams and costs Rs 100 or more.
For the beauty conscious women in search of natural and unadulterated Holi celebrations, a garden next door can serve the purpose. The natural flowers would serve as the best colour for painting the faces on the occasion. In ancient times, flowers and leaves were used to play Holi.
Turmeric powder can be mixed with flour and used as yellow gulal. "Haldi being an antiseptic, the mixture of flour and haldi automatically makes the face to glow," Rajshree, who plays Holi with flowers, said.
Similarly, hibiscus can be used for creating maroon colour, neem leaves for green colour. While marigold symbolises yellow and the petals of red roses can substitute `lal gulal'.
The preference for darker and long-lasting colours led to the introduction of synthetic colours and toxic chemicals. Oxidised metals or industrial dyes mixed with the solvent are very often used in such colours which pose health risk.
The toxic chemicals that are used in synthetic colours are mercuric oxide for red colour powder, rhodamine B for pink, chromium iodide for orange, auramine for yellow, copper sulphate for green and lead for black colour. Undoubtedly, these toxic chemicals leads to skin diseases, eye infection, temporary blindness, renal failure, asthma and skin cancer.
Doctors also warn that most colours have high content of lead which gets absorbed in the blood. "These colours could even cause dermatitis in which itching and swelling starts after 24 hours. The heavy metals and dye used for making the synthetic colours could cause cornea ulcer, conjunctivitis and allergy and a person could become totally blind," Dr Shalini Mohan, eye specialist at Lala Lajpat Rai (LLR) Hospital, said.
"It is best to use herbal colours. Synthetic colours lead to allergies of skin, which can aggravate if exposed to sunlight or other chemicals. This can damage skin. If left on the skin for a longer duration, the synthetic colours can cause irritation," she added.
Another substance widely used during Holi is glitter. It should be avoided.
Toxic chemicals used in synthetic colours
* Red-- Mercuric Oxide
* Pink-- Rhodamine B
* Orange-- Chromium Iodide
* Yellow- Auramine
* Green--Copper Sulphate
* Black--Lead
Home remedies
Apply olive or castor oil before playing Holi. The colours could be washed easily
Apply vaseline on lips and foundation on face to protect from dark colours
Apply egg yolk to hair and leave it for 30 minutes to counter harsh effect of the colours
Take care
# Avoid dark colours like purple, green and dark pink as such colours contain high chemical content
Do not expose yourself to sunlight for long after applying water colours
Wash your body soon as lead may mix with blood and cause problem
Harmful effect
* Dry colours can aggravate asthma and other respiratory problems
* The synthetic colours can lead to skin irritation, dryness, itching and even severe allergic reactions and abrasions
Eyes can turn red after the colours get into them and cause severe problems
Synthetic colours can turn hair dry and brittle
* Irritation in stomach and nausea can be caused if colours somehow enter stomach