Explainer: The Hidden Dangers Of Chemical Colours; Know How To Stay Safe This Holi
Holi is a fun festival, but chemical colors can harm your health, causing skin allergies, eye infections, respiratory issues, and even cancer. To stay safe, use natural colors, apply oil to protect your hair, avoid contact lenses, and follow health tips. Celebrate responsibly and protect your well-being.
- By: Ashish Maharishi
- Published: Mar 13, 2025 at 09:22 PM
New Delhi: Holi, the festival of colours, is incomplete without vibrant hues of colours. However, it is important to ensure that it doesn’t come at the cost of health, as the chemical colours sold in the market contain harmful substances that pose serious risk to the body. To enjoy a safe Holi, it is important to be aware of these concerns and take necessary precautions. Synthetic colours often contain harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, chromium, and artificial dyes, which can affect the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals causes skin allergies, rashes, irritation, and skin diseases. Some colours contain heavy metals, which can enter the bloodstream through the skin, causing toxic effects.
Skin specialist Dr Ruben Bhasin Pasi says that, “When chemical colours come in contact with the eyes, they can cause redness, itching and infection, sometimes leading to serious vision problems. Apart from this, it can cause respiratory problems, especially in people suffering from asthma or bronchitis. Some synthetic colours contain carcinogenic substances, which increase the risk of cancer with repeated exposure. In addition, when these colours are washed off, they contaminate water bodies, causing harm to the environment.”
Chemical red colour can cause skin cancer
According to a report by the Environment Department of Chandigarh Administration, “Black colour contains lead oxide. Copper sulphate is added in green colour. Similarly, aluminium bromide is used in silver colour. If we talk about blue colour, it contains Prussian Blue. There is a risk of a skin disease called contact dermatitis due to this. Similarly, mercury sulphate is used in red colour, which can cause the risk of skin cancer. These types of colours can cause heavy damage to the respiratory system, eyes and skin. If someone has respiratory disease or allergy, then they should completely stay away from chemical colours.”
Protecting your hair during Holi is important as chemical colours can make it dry and brittle. Apply oil to the hair before playing Holi to prevent the colour from being absorbed, and it is easy to wash the colour off. Similarly, taking care of your eyes is also important. To protect your eyes, avoid wearing contact lenses and opt for sunglasses to shield your eyes from colour particles. If colours get into your eyes, rinse them immediately with clean water and avoid rubbing to prevent further damage or irritation.
Tips to celebrate a safe and healthy Holi
Stay away from chemical colours.
Apply moisturiser and sunscreen cream on face and body.
Don’t wear contact lenses.
Apply oil into your scalp to protect your hair.
Avoid using solid colours.
Remove the color gently using oil and body lotion.
Use soap to wash off the colour. Don’t scrub harshly.
If you are facing any health-related issues, consult a doctor.
Disclaimer: This article has been written with insights from ophthalmologists. The information provided here is for information purposes only. Consult your doctor for professional advice.
Conclusion: Holi is a fun festival, but chemical colors can harm your health, causing skin allergies, eye infections, respiratory issues, and even cancer. To stay safe, use natural colors, apply oil to protect your hair, avoid contact lenses, and follow health tips. Celebrate responsibly and protect your well-being.
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