Problems caused by some common Synthetic colours:
Green – It might contain copper sulphate and can cause problems like eye allergy and temporary blindness.Red – It might contain mercury sulphide, which can lead to skin cancer, mental retardation, paralysis and impaired vision.
Purple – It might contain chromium iodide leading to health problems like bronchial asthma and allergies.
Silver – It might contain aluminum bromide, which is carcinogenic.
Blue – It might contain Prussian blue, which can cause contract dermatitis.
Black – It might contain lead oxide leading to health problems like renal failure and learning disability.
So try to play holi with natural colours. I know it is practically not possible all of a sudden. In the meantime, you can minimize the side effects of synthetic colours by following some simple steps. Here are they-
Tips: Before playing Holi
- Body: It’s also a good idea to apply a thick layer of moisturizer, petroleum jelly or coconut oil on your face and other exposed parts of the body to prevent colours from coming into direct contact with your skin.
- Hair: Oil your hair and scalp with olive, coconut or castor oil. Add a few drops of lemon juice to prevent dandruff and infection triggered by the chemical colours.
- Clothing: What you choose to wear should cover maximum parts of your body. Wear dark colour-full sleeves cotton clothes. Synthetic cloth would be sticky and denims would be heavy once you have a bucket full of colours/water splashed on you.
- Lips and Eyes: Don’t wear lenses. Mostly people are interested in applying surprise colours on your face and you may get your eyes hurt by the lenses. Use a sun glass to protect your eyes from a misfire of colour filled darts or water jets. Apply a lip balm for your lips.
- Water: Drink plenty of water before you start playing Holi. This will keep your skin hydrated. Also keep sipping water carefully while playing Holi.
- Bhang/Alcohol: Don’t consume bhang if you are a heart patient, excessive intake may lead to heart attack/failure.
Tips: After playing Holi
- Do not scrub the colour off with soap. Soaps contain esters that erode the skin layers and often cause rashes. Use a cream-based cleanser or you can even use oil for removing the colours, and then go for a bath. Apply a lot of moisturising cream to keep the skin hydrated.
- If the colours are still left on your skin you can apply besan with milk/milk cream on your body for removing colours.
- Don’t use kerosene, spirit or petrol to clean your face. Try a cream-based cleanser or baby oil.
- Don’t use hot water, it will stick the colour on your body. Use normal water.
- Stay away from sunlight till colour is removed.
- Itching in eye or redness may be normal but if it continues for more than few hours immediately contact with a doctor.
Source- http://ncsm.gov.in/?p=3424
