laboratory tests of 50 colour samples, collected from 15 localities of Dehradun by the Society of Pollution and Environment Conservation Scientists (SPECS) have revealed that most of the Holi colours available in the market contain toxic contents which are dangerous for the skin and can cause various health problems.
SPECS secretary Dr Brij Mohan Sharma said that 50 samples of various colours were collected from Dhamawala, Paltan Bazaar, Hanuman Chowk, Moti Bazaar, Karanpur, Dakra, Kanwali Road, Patelnagar, Majra, Panditwari, Premnagar, Sahastradhara Road, Raipur, Jakhan, Rajpur and Krishan Nagar.
“lab tests revealed that most colours available in the market contain oxidised metals or industrial dyes mixed with engine oil which are dangerous for the skin. The black colour, for instance, comes from lead oxide, green from copper sulphate, silver from aluminium bromide and red from mercury sulphite. These chemicals can cause allergy, temporary blindness, renal failure, skin cancer and even paralysis. It can even prove fatal. The dangerous side effects of colours can ruin the spirit of the festival,’’ he said.
SPECS has appealed the citizens to avoid using such colours and to use organic and easy to make colours for a safe and clean Holi.
Green colour can be made from pure henna powder mixed with equal quantity of flour; yellow colour can be made with two teaspoons of turmeric powder with double quantity of gram flour or from marigold, Amaltas, black babul or yellow chrysanthemum flowers. Similarly, red sandal wood or sinduria fruit (annatto) can be used for red colour which can also be extracted from red hibiscus flowers and also from the juice of tomatoes and carrots.