The countdown for Holi celebrations has begun. With Chinese pichkaris and herbal gulals on display the children and teenagers are all set to add special colours to the Holi Hungama. But before you dab yourself in the instant Masti of Holi colours and binge on Gujhiya and Chaat, take a look at these facts.
The market is flooded with cheap Holi colours, mixed with harmful chemicals, dyes and substances that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. The experts also claim that even the herbal Holi colours are mixed with harmful substances to give sparkle looks.
The market sources informed that black and green colours available in 25 gms packs is mixed with copper, sulphate and lead. The red colour is also mixed with mercury, which can cause irritation and skin infection. High on demand the silver paint also contains lead and other harmful chemicals, said the senior doctors.
Even the tiranga sweets and barfi available is also not free of harmful colours.
So here is a word of advice from senior doctors.
"The people should avoid using dark colours because they can cause skin irritation and allergies which can last for 15 to 20 days. Also the water used in Holi colour should be clean. The oil paints, turpentine oil and even silver paint should also be avoided. The Holi with mud sling is absolutely 'No-No' and the vital parts like eyes should be covered while playing Holi. Play Holi with only high quality Gulal," said Dr DK Nigam, senior physician and gastroenterologist.
Dr Nigam said that in order to maintain festive spirit the people should avoid having liquor and drive in an inebriated condition. Also it is advisable to stock some common anti-allergic, anti-diarrhoeal and fever medicines. But if complications increase due to colours or excessive eating the patient should be immediately rushed to a doctor, he added. "But inspite of all these advices a large number of people still come with upset stomach and skin allergies," he further stated.
{{/usCountry}}Dr Nigam said that in order to maintain festive spirit the people should avoid having liquor and drive in an inebriated condition. Also it is advisable to stock some common anti-allergic, anti-diarrhoeal and fever medicines. But if complications increase due to colours or excessive eating the patient should be immediately rushed to a doctor, he added. "But inspite of all these advices a large number of people still come with upset stomach and skin allergies," he further stated.
{{/usCountry}}Ayurveda specialist Dr SK Rai said there are possibilities that even the herbal colours are mixed with toxins, harmful for the body.
Ironically some sweets available in market during Holi are also mixed with harmful colours which have carcinogenic elements.
One should avoid having all these sweets.