Prayagraj: Doctors have warned the Holi revellers to take measures to prevent the effect of sub-standard and synthetic colours.Colours made of chemicals and dyes are available in markets at low rates which harm skin. The health fraternity took up an awareness campaign through various social media platforms, appealing to citizens to be cautious against such colours while playing Holi.A senior medical officer told TOI, “The sale of these sub-standard and synthetic colours goes up manifold as the festival draws near, people should be aware of such sub-standard colours, which contain oxidised metals or industrial dyes, engine oil, acids, mica, harmful powder, and alkalis. Most of these are toxic and cause harm to body parts, particularly the eyes and skin.” Doctors claimed, “Common reactions of these colours are itching, peeling, and redness, but in some cases more severe reactions were reported.“Physician Dr Anil Kumar said, “Rashes, blisters, and other severe allergic reactions are witnessed in people with sensitive skin or skin conditions like rosacea, acne, and eczema.”Green colour is usually prepared from copper sulphate, which often causes eye allergies and even temporary blindness, while black is made from lead oxide which causes harmful effect on brain too.Silver colour comes from aluminium bromide, a known carcinogen; red is made of mercury sulphite which may causes mental retardation, paralysis, and impaired vision, and chromium iodide is used to make purpl which leads to bronchial asthma and allergies.Synthetic colours are made of harmful substances like acids, mica, glass powder, and alkalis .
