Enjoy Holi With Utmost Care: Dr Purohit

Bhopal : Holi is here again and revellers are all geared up to enjoy the festival of colours. The revellers, mostly youngsters, will be out tomorrow to smear colours on each other and enjoy the special snacks and meals. The festival is mainly celebrated with greater fervour in Malwa region especially in Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain , Vidisha and Ratlam.
However, along with the celebrations, comes a sense of responsibility as there can be some side effects if the celebrations take an unruly form. The hues that are used for Holi are many times synthetically treated. Most of those are of poor quality, possibly containing multiple contaminants.
“While playing with colours, be careful that you do not inhale it anyway. One should also apply a thick layer of cream or lotion to ensure that the colour does not stick to the skin or bruise it,” advised Dr Naresh Purohit, noted Epidemiologist and Advisor- National Communicable Disease Control Programme.

Voicing his concern here on the eve of Holi acclaimed physician Dr. Purohit cautioned that firecrackers add to air pollution and loud music contributes to noise pollution. Firecrackers, which are often a central feature of Holi, significantly contribute to air pollution, releasing toxic chemicals and particulate matter that can worsen respiratory conditions and environmental quality.

He averred that whether dry or wet, if anything goes into the eyes during Holi, make sure a lot of fresh water is splashed to wash away the irritant.

He pointed that skin rashes, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis are some of the common side effects leading to itching, extreme dryness, burning, oozing and various other symptoms. “Persons with a known history of atopy or allergic rhinitis are more prone to such complaints.”he added.                                                                                                               Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies for Respiratory Care Dr Purohit stated that asthma patients may also get troubled by the smoke that emanates out of ‘Holika dahan’ (traditional burning of pyres coinciding with the Holi) therefore these patients must keep their medicines handy.

“During Holi quality of air deteriorates with rising carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels causing breathlessness and fatigue to people,” he added

“Asthma patients must avoid all outdoor activities on Holika dahan . People must not create panic if symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath occur but just consult your nearest doctor immediately,” he said

He revealed that WHO defines noise above 65 dB as noise pollution because levels exceeding 75 dB can cause serious health impacts , prolonged exposure to elevated noise levels during Holi can lead to hypertension, stress, and hearing loss.

*Dr. Narresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state Health organizations.                                                                                                                                                                                             Dr. Purohit is also Chief Advisor Hospitals Association  of India  and Chief Investigator  Association of Studies for Kidneycare.