Holi the festival of colours brings joy and fun. As we get into the spirit of this festival it is important to be watchful about the protection of your skin and overall body. Traditionally, colors were made up from flowers and herbs but with time, harsh chemicals, dyes have replaced these natural ingredients. Some colours are highly toxic and can even cause cancer. People who handle colours or play Holi often complain of conjunctivitis, visual impairment, asthma and brutal skin reactions” said Dr. Vikas Goswami, Sr. Consultant Oncologist from Fortis Hospital. Team AAW lists the harmful ingredients in the colours and problems caused by them
Red: it is obtained from mercury sulphite and may cause skin cancer or Minamata disease (mental retardation, paralysis, impaired vision)
Green : Obtained from copper sulphate it may cause allergies in eye or even temporary blindness.
Shiny colours: They are a result of powdered glass being added to the colours.
Purple: It is obtained from chromium iodide which may cause bronchial asthma or other forms of allergy.
Silver: Silver is obtained from aluminum bromide – a known carcinogenic.
Black: Black is obtained from lead oxide and may cause renal failures or learning disability.
