Health experts have warned against the use of artificial colours being sold in market during Holi, saying these colours contain chemical solvents and toxic agents that can have serious impact on our skin, eyes, lungs and hair.

“Chemicals solvents used in artificial colours are harmful to skin. The lead oxide in black colour can lead to renal failure,” said Dr Sunil Poudyal, consultant physician at National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital.

Copper sulphate which is present in green colour leads to allergic reaction in eyes. Exposure to such colour can leads to swelling of eyes and can even cause blindness, according to doctors.  The use of artificial colours made of chemical solvents and toxic agents like lead oxide, mercury sulphate and copper sulphate can even damage lungs and cause cancer.

“Not only colours but water balloons can also cause serious injuries to eyes and ears. Fractured eye sockets, blindness and eardrum injuries are not unheard of during Holi celebrations,” added the doctor. Dirty water used in balloons can cause typhoid, diarrhoea and dysentery. People therefore are advised to play Holi using clean water.

People are also likely to suffer from nasal irritation, infection, allergic reactions, sinusitis and pharyngitis.