* A gulal sample from a store near Bandra station contained 36 mg/kg lead, 0.09 mg/kg mercury and 4.8 mg/kg cadmium.

* Herbal gulal from a Dadar shop contained 8 mg/kg lead and 2.8 mg/kg cadmium.

* ‘Golden powder’ from a Dadar shop had 6 mg/kg lead, 0.146 mg/kg mercury and 6.8 mg/kg cadmium.

* Metallic green powder from Crawford Market showed 34 mg/kg lead and 9.6 mg/kg cadmium.

These metals cause problems like high blood pressure and nervous disorder. A second lot from Bandra and Khar was tested in a MoEF-recognised lab with the help of NGO Awaaz Foundation. The tests revealed that red and royal pink colours had 4 mg/kg mercury and maroon about 2 mg/kg.

Dr Hasnain Patel, vice-chairman of the International Board of Clinical Metal Toxicology and president of the Indian Society for Metal Toxicology and Chelation Therapy, said, “There is no prescribed safe limit for these metals in our immediate environment because even traces of them can be dangerous... They can enter blood through the skin...”

Dr Amita Athavale, head, KEM Hospital’s Environment Pollution Research Centre said, “In colours, chemicals are introduced to get different shades. Cadmium gives yellowness. Heavy metal in the environment or the body can cause severe health problems. A shift to colours derived from plants and flowers should be encouraged.”