Health Risks Associated with Synthetic Holi Colors; Guide to Making Organic Alternatives at Home

Kathmandu. The market is currently adorned with colors for the Holi festival. The colors used during Holi are considered harmful to health. Many synthetic colors available in the market can be detrimental to the skin and overall health.

According to a study, market colors are mixed with various harmful chemicals that can cause skin allergies, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. Now, we will discuss what kinds of substances are mixed in the colors available in the market.

What kinds of chemicals are found in market colors?

• Copper Sulfate – Green color
• Lead Oxide – Black color
• Mercury Sulfide – Red color
• Chromium Iodide – Violet color
• Aluminum Bromide – Silver color
• Prussian Blue – Blue color

What are the effects of these chemicals?

• Skin allergy
• Irritation and swelling
• Eye irritation
• Infection
• Respiratory problems and asthma
• Kidney damage
• Risk of cancer in severe cases

According to dermatologist Dr. Tania Upreti, the effects can be even more severe, especially in children and individuals with sensitive skin.

How can organic colors be made at home?

• Orange color: Dry and grind orange peels. Mix a little cornflour and a little turmeric, then sift through a sieve.
• Green color: Extract juice from spinach, coriander, or mint and mix with rose water. For dry gulal, mix this mixture with cornflour, dry in the sun, and sift.
• Pink color: Mix beetroot juice with rose water and the required amount of cornflour, dry in the sun, and grind.
• Red color: Soak and grind hibiscus or rose petals. Mix with cornflour to make it dry, then sift.
• Yellow color: Boil turmeric in hot water, let it cool, then mix with cornflour and rose water. Then dry and grind. Yellow color can also be made by mixing turmeric and gram flour (besan).

How long does it take to make colors at home?

• Liquid colors: 10–15 minutes
• Dry colors: Takes 2–3 days as they need to be dried in the sun.

Benefits of using organic colors:

• Relatively safer for the skin.
• Reduced risk of allergies.
• Environmentally friendly.
• Suitable for children as well.

What precautions should be taken when making colors?

• Always perform a 'patch test' (testing on a small area of skin) before use.
• Do not use irritating ingredients.
• Do not use rotten leaves or flowers.
• Dry the colors thoroughly, otherwise, mold may grow.
• Sift the ground colors properly through a sieve.
• Use clean utensils and mixers.
• Store the prepared gulal in a dry and clean place.
• Use only light colors for children, the elderly, and people prone to allergies.

How long are homemade organic colors safe?

• 1–2 weeks when stored in an airtight container.
• It is best to use liquid colors within 1–2 days.

Do homemade colors stain clothes?

• Most organic colors wash out with a simple wash.
• However, dark colors made from beetroot, turmeric, or flowers might leave a slight stain.
• Therefore, it is advisable to wear old or light-colored clothes while playing Holi.

Are homemade organic colors completely safe for small children?

• Although organic colors are safer than chemical colors, they are not entirely risk-free.
• Some children may also develop allergies to natural ingredients.
• Therefore, a patch test should be done before using them on children.
• Use only light colors.
• Doctors advise that it is best not to apply them to the face if possible.