Play safe, play with natural colour

Traditionally, Holi colours were derived from natural sources. Go back to nature.  Off-late, these hues have been contaminated with hazardous compounds.

1. Malachite green (most commonly used, a most toxic, potential carcinogen, most ocular injuries). The substance has been banned in the United States since 1983 in food-related applications. It is banned in the UK.

2. Rhodamine

3. Gentian violet

4. Auramine O

5. Lead oxide

6. Copper sulphate

7. Mercury sulphite

8. Chromium iodide

9. Silica

10. Mica dust

Even fungal contamination of such powders has been proven.

These powders, through contact with skin (dermatosis), respiratory tract or eyes may provoke unsought complications.

Being poorly biodegradable and resistant to the conventional waste-water purification processes, they are harmful to the environment too.

With respect to the eye, the chemicals, their constituent endotoxins and fungal contamination produce ocular surface toxicity by induction of oxidative bursts in granulocytes.

 The ocular manifestations may vary from mild chemical conjunctivitis to a secondarily infected corneal ulcer, all falling under the spectrum of ocular alkaline injury.

1. Application of coconut oil over the skin and hair, which can act as a possible shield

2. Sunglasses

3. Evading the use of contact lenses during such activities.

4. Use of natural colours.

healthy soch