On offer at Masjid Bunder is a range of ‘Holi rang’ — from sparkling gold and silver pastes to ‘imported’ sprays for the hair, “magnesium diamonds” (or coloured magnesium salt) and even rhodamine crystals. “Rhodamine comes in different metallic colours,” says Rajesh Prasad, a vendor. “They are very strong and popular this year,” he says, adding: “I am selling small packets for Rs 10 this year. Our other metallic colours cost anywhere between Rs 10 and Rs 25 for a quarter kg.”

Rhodamine colours are actually fluorescent dyes, generally toxic and soluble in water, methanol and ethanol. According to Dr Kalpana Sarangi, consulting dermatologist at Nanavati Hospital in Vile Parle: “Rhodamine causes two types of skin problems — allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. While the former is a minor problem which can be treated, irritant dermatitis is more severe causing painful water-filled boils like burns. These skin allergies also increase due to sun-burn. The longer the child stays outdoors with these colours on, the more harm it will cause to the skin.”

Sarangi says that every year, after Holi, her patients’ list is considerably lengthened.

However, even as doctors warn people against metallic colours sold openly in the market, Holi revellers shopped furiously. As every year, Savita and Naresh Kamble are buying dark shiny colours that turn red when mixed with water, for their 12-year-old son accompanying them. Savita says: “We get these colours every year, they are long-lasting but come off after a few washes. They don’t seem harmful by any stretch of imagination.” Nearby, a bunch of college students purchasing two plastic bags full of Rhodamine add confidently: “There’s nothing to fear, these colours are not metal powder and they are certainly not going to burn our skin. Holi ka time itna to maza karna chahiye na. (One can have some fun during Holi.)”

Meanwhile, an on-duty official of a Pydhonie police van stationed at Masjid Bunder market admitted that they know the vendors are selling industrial chemical colours. “But we don’t have any idea if they are toxic and if it calls for any action.”