Doctors chant safe Holi mantra

BHUBANESWAR: Beware of Holi colours __ these are far from friendly. Every year after Holi, doctors receive many patients suffering from allergies, burning and itching eyes and some with severe injuries, which can lead to blindness.Studies have shown that common Holi colours have a high concentration of toxic elements such as lead, chromium, nickel and cadmium and also mica, silica and red soil.These can result in skin complications and allergies that may take days, even months, to cure. Some complications such as skin cancer or blindness can be long lasting.  “Most colours are synthetic and contain harmful chemicals. In fact, most of these are industrial dyes used to colour textiles. Obviously, they are harmful for humans,” said Rajlaxmi Mohanty, a city-based dermatologist. She said heavy metals, corrosive acids and powdered glass are used in these colours. These can result in skin allergies, irritation and even skin cancer or blindness. “These should be avoided.”   Asbestos talc, chalk powder and silica are used to make these colours sparkling and attractive. “Asbestos is a carcinogen that builds body tissues. Exposure to even micro quantities can cause cancer. Silica can dry the skin. The colours look shiny because of powdered glass or mica,” the doctor said. As far as liquid colours are concerned, hazardous chemicals __ biophenol, formaldehyde and others __ can be found in them. “The chemicals often accumulate in the body and cause long-term problems,” said Bikash Ranjan Kar, another skin specialist.Colours in the form of pastes sometimes have toxic compounds mixed in engine oil. The dangers lie not just in colours. Throwing water-filled balloons can cause injury to eyes or ears. The Holi market is unorganised and the State has little control over the quality of the products. People prefer chemical colours to natural ones because they are cheap and easily available.     Dermatologists say the harmful effects can be avoided by taking precautions.  Herbal colours may be a little expensive, but safe. It would be better to wash them off as soon as possible.