A visit to a doctor after the festival of colours is common in
India. Diseases, specially of the skin and eye are bound to happen with the
quality of colours that are now available in the market.
It may be noted that chemical colours came into vogue as they were earlier
thought to be harmless. Besides their being convenient and cost effective
options as against the natural colours. These days manufacturers mix harmful
chemicals in colours and play with the health of the consumers for the sake
of profit. The chemicals added by them are so injurious that if
unfortunately they enter a human body, they may cause fatal infections.
These days most Holi colours sold in the market are oxidized metals or
industrial dyes mixed with engine oil. These chemicals are known to cause
serious harm to persons health.
For example -
Green colour is obtained from copper sulphate -which may cause
allergies in eye or even temporary blindness.
Purple is obtained from chromium iodide - which may cause bronchial
asthma or other forms of allergy.
Silver is obtained from aluminum bromide - a known carcinogenic.
Black is obtained from lead oxide - may cause renal failures or
learning disability.
Red is obtained from mercury sulphite - may cause skin cancer or
Minamata disease (mental retardation, paralysis, impaired vision...)
Shiny Colours are a result of powdered glass being added to the
colours.
Besides, many water colours have an alkaline base capable of causing severe
injuries. Colours in the form of pastes have toxic compounds mixed in a base
of engine oil or other inferior quality oil, capable of causing skin
allergy, temporary blindness.
Further, when washed, these colours containing toxic chemicals enter the
river, thereby soil and water pollution.
Even the way we play Holi is becoming dangerous. Throwing water filled
balloons has become rampant, which is very harmful. People should realise,
what is fun for them could cause injury to the eyes and ears to the other
person, specially when thrown from a distance and with force.
People must realise that the colours have been added to Holi to make the
festival more joyous and enjoyable and not to cause inconvenience to others.
So, next time you play with colours use good quality or natural colours and
play according to the convenience of others.
