Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated with joy and love across India and beyond. Holi is a time for togetherness, where people share sweets and put colours on each other. However, many synthetic colours used during Holi contain harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation, allergies, and respiratory issues, especially for those with asthma or sensitive skin. Heavy metals and toxic substances in these colours may lead to long-term health problems. So how can you stay safe this Holi? We got in touch with experts who share common allergy triggers, precautionary measures, and how these colours may damage your lungs in the long run.

How Do Holi Colours Trigger Allergies?

The synthetic dyes used in Holi colours contain various chemicals and toxic substances that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
According to Dr Ravi Dosi, Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore, the most common allergens found in Holi colours include:

1. Artificial dyes – These can cause skin itching, redness, and rashes.

• Harmful chemicals – Substances such as gentian green, malachite green, and rhodamine B can trigger severe allergic reactions.

• Heavy metals – Certain colours contain toxic metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, which can be hazardous to health.

How to Protect Your Skin During Holi

To minimize the risk of allergic reactions, Dr Dosi shares some simple precautions you must take:

1. Use natural colours – Opt for colours made from flowers, herbs, and spices instead of synthetic dyes.

• Wear protective clothing. To reduce direct contact with colours, cover your body with long-sleeved shirts, pants, and gloves.

• Apply a protective layer – Using coconut oil or a thick moisturizer on your skin can act as a barrier against harmful chemicals.

• Wash off immediately – Take a shower as soon as the celebrations end to remove any residual colour and prevent skin damage.

• Perform a patch test – Before applying any colour to your skin, test it on a small area to check for allergic reactions.

Can Holi Colours Cause Respiratory Issues?

Yes, Holi colours can significantly impact respiratory health, particularly for people with pre-existing lung conditions such as asthma or COPD, Dr Dosi shares. The inhalation of fine particles and toxic substances found in these colours can lead to severe respiratory problems.
Dr Ravi Dosi warns that many Holi colours contain heavy metals like lead, chromium, and cadmium, which can cause:

• Irritation in the airways leads to coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.

• It may increase asthma symptoms, resulting in bronchospasms and difficulty breathing.

• Increased risk of infections, as the fine particles can settle in the lungs, causing long-term damage.

• Bronchitis and other respiratory disorders, particularly in people with weaker lung function.

Precautions For People With Respiratory Issues

If you have asthma, COPD, or other respiratory problems, take these extra precautions:

1. Avoid direct exposure – If possible, limit your participation in Holi celebrations where synthetic colours are used.

• Wear a mask – Use an N95 mask to filter out fine particles and prevent the inhalation of harmful substances.

• Keep your inhaler handy – If you have asthma, always carry your inhaler in case of sudden respiratory distress.

• Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps keep the respiratory system moist and reduces irritation caused by airborne particles.

• Rinse nasal passages – Use saline water to clear out any coloured dust that may have entered your nose.

The Link Between Holi Colours and Long-Term Lung Damage

Shiba Kalyan Biswal, Clinical Director- Pulmonology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, shares that the long-term effects of inhaling synthetic Holi colours can be serious.
“In the past, Holi was celebrated with natural colours made from flowers and herbs. Today, most commercial colours contain industrial dyes, fine asbestos, and silica particles, which, when inhaled, can lead to chronic respiratory issues,” he explains.
Some of the dangerous substances found in synthetic Holi colours include:

• Heavy metals like lead and mercury can cause respiratory allergies and lung inflammation.

• Asbestos and silica particles can lead to long-term breathing difficulties and lung infections.

• Industrial dyes emit toxic fumes that can irritate the respiratory system.

Who Should Be Extra Cautious During Holi?

Some people are more vulnerable to the health risks associated with Holi colours, including:

• Children and senior citizens – Their respiratory systems are more sensitive to irritants.

• People with asthma or COPD – They can experience severe reactions to chemical-based colours.

• For people with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, synthetic dyes can aggravate their condition.

• Pregnant women – Exposure to toxic chemicals can be harmful to both the mother and the unborn baby.

Safety Measures to Enjoy Holi Without Health Risks

To celebrate Holi safely and protect yourself from harmful colour exposure, follow these safety tips:

1. Choose natural alternatives – Use organic colours derived from flowers, turmeric, and herbs instead of artificial powders.

• Use protective gear – Cover your nose and mouth with a mask to prevent inhalation of toxic particles.

• Play in open spaces. Avoid congested areas where colour dust can accumulate and cause breathing difficulties.

• Wash off immediately – Rinse your face, skin, and nasal passages thoroughly after playing to remove any lingering chemicals.

• Avoid water balloons and synthetic sprays – These can intensify skin irritation and respiratory issues.

• Moisturize post-Holi – Applying aloe vera gel or coconut oil after washing off colours can help soothe irritated skin.