Gentian violet, the most widely used colours concentrate in water colours, can cause skin discoloration, dermatitis, irritation of mucous membranes and lead to ‘keratoconjunctivitis’ and dark purple staining of cornea. Holi pastes contain toxic chemicals such as lead oxide, copper sulphate, etc. that can have severe health affects such as renal failure, eye allergies, contact dermatitis and skin cancer.

On the other hand, organic colours are safe and can easily be made at home. You can use haldi mixed with flour for dry yellow colour, boiled and soaked petals of pomegranate for yellow colour, beetroot pieces soaked in water for magenta, petals of flowers of semul/tesu for saffron, lime mixed with haldi for a deep red and henna powder mixed with flour for mehndi colour.

Holi Ho!

The writer is Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Mohali

* If a colour comes in contact with the eye, immediately wash it with a lot of water and in case irritation persists, medical aid must be sought immediately.

* Don’t apply oil over the body before playing Holi, as it eases the penetration of colours into the body system.

* Don’t use synthetic colours. Instead, use organic or home-made colours

* Use a hat or a cap to protect your hair from being coloured with hard-to-rinse dyes.

* Use dental caps to protect your teeth from staining.

* Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful chemicals of colours.

* Wear full-sleeved T-shirts and leggings that cover your legs fully to protect your skin from the harmful affects of colours.