Holi colours contain PM10 and can induce pro-inflammatory responses

Human health impacts attributable to inhalation exposure of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) during the Holi festival

OBJECTIVE

The present study focuses on residential areas of Delhi to identify the elevated levels of ambient PM10 and PM2.5 due to biomass burning followed by the coloring activity in the Holi festival celebrated at the end of the winter season. This study also focuses on the health risk assessment and mortality among different age groups due to the change in particulate matter levels during the Holi festival in Delhi, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Secondary data of particulate matters have been procured from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune for the period of the pre-, during, and post-Holi period for the year 2018-2020 at four selected residential locations in Delhi, India. The health impacts of particle inhalation were quantified using the AirQ + models.

RESULTS

The results indicated the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 rise about 3-4 times higher during the Holi festival than on normal days, resulting in health risks and causing an excess number of mortality and Asthma cases in Delhi. Such cases were also found to be higher in 2018, followed by 2019 and 2020 at all the selected locations in Delhi.

CONCLUSIONS

The study linked the increasing particulate levels in the Holi festival with the increased health risk through short-term exposure of the population. The excess number of cases (ENCs) of mortality, all causes of mortality among adults (age > 30 years) associated with short-term exposure to particulate were also identified.

The Fire and Explosion Hazard of Coloured Powders Used during the Holi Festival

During the world-famous Holi festival, people throw and smear each other with a colored powder (Holi color, Holi powder, Gulal powder). Until now, adverse health and environmental effects (skin and eye irritation, air pollution, and respiratory problems) have been described in the available literature. However, the literature lacks data on the flammable and explosive properties of these powders during mass events, despite the fact that burns, fires, and explosions during the Holi festival have taken place many times. The aim of the article is to present the fire and explosion parameters of three currently used Holi dust and cornflour dust types as reference dust. The minimum ignition temperature of the dust layer and dust cloud, the maximum explosion pressure and its maximum rate of growth over time, the lower explosion limit, the limit of oxygen concentration, and the minimum ignition energy were determined. Tests confirmed that the currently available Holi powders should be classified as flammable dusts and low-explosive dusts. The likelihood of a fire or explosion during mass incidents involving a Holi dust-air mixture is high.

A Study of the Levels of Some Toxic Substances present in Dry Holi Colours in Kolkata, India

'Holi' is an Indian festival with a great cultural context, that is celebrated across the world at the onset of spring by applying dry powder of vibrant colours on friends and family. In ancient times holi colours were prepared from different spring flowers, but in modern times, these natural colours have been replaced by commercial industrial dyes prepared by chemical processes. Even products that claim to use organic colours, use synthetic pigments to enhance the brightness of hues. Such synthetic holi colours are sold as herbal colours, in an unregulated manner, in local markets, and no checks can be enforced on the product composition. Also, the quality and the amount of information about the ingredients of the particular packets are missing. These colours sold in the local market often contain hazardous chemicals such as endotoxins, and heavy metals, like lead, potentially causing moderate to severe health problem. Holi colour samples were randomly collected from different sites in Kolkata, India. Red, pink, violet, green and yellow coloured powders were obtained. The powders were prepared and analysed for lead content by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometric method. Analysis of endotoxin content of different holi colours was also performed by Limulus Amebocyte Lysate test. The lead content was found to be almost 2 times higher in the holi colours, with yellow pigment having the highest concentration, than FDA Standard for maximum permissible limit in cosmetics, which was taken as a reference for safety limit of lead that is dermatologically applicable. The endotoxin levels are alarmingly high, with almost 35 times the FDA reference for dermatological safety limit. Special attention should be given to lead and endotoxin levels in holi colours as their consequences pose serious health threats. Therefore, quality control measures should be recommended for them, in par with products designed for long-term contact with the skin.

Response of a local hospital to a burn disaster: Contributory factors leading to zero mortality outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the outcomes of a local healthcare system in managing a burn mass casualty incident (BMCI).

METHODS

Thirty-three victims admitted to the National Taiwan University Hospital within 96h of the explosion were included in the study. Data were recorded on: patient demographics, Baux score, laboratory data, management response, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Case notes from June 27, 2015 to November 2015 were reviewed with a focus on fluid resuscitation, ventilation support, nutrition, infection control, sepsis treatment, and wound closure plan.

RESULTS

Female predominance (mean age: 21.7 years) and lower extremity circumferential flame burns were the characteristics of the burn injury. The mean Baux score was 70±18. The mean burn area was 42% of the total body surface area (TBSA). A total of 79% patients arrived at the hospital within 24h of sustaining injuries. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission criteria were modified to accommodate patients with 40% TBSA of burns, facilities were expanded from 4 ICU beds to 18 beds, and new staff was recruited. A total of 36% patients (n=12/33, 62±13 TBSA of burns) required fluid resuscitation. The mean volume of Lactate Ringer administered in the first 24h of burns was 3.34±2.18ml/kg/%TBSA, while the mean volume of fresh frozen plasma administered was 0.60±0.63ml/kg/h. Forty-two percent patients were intubated on the day of admission, and 71% of the intubated patients had inhalation injuries that were confirmed by diagnostic bronchoscopy. The mean intubation period was 17±9 days. The incidence of pulmonary edema was 58% (n=7/12), possibly due to sub-optimal monitoring. Of these, 57% (n=4/7) patients progressed to adult respiratory distress syndrome, but were successfully treated with early strict fluid restriction, systemic antibiotics, ventilation support, and bronchial lavage. A total of 94% patients received grafting. The mean grafted area was 4432.3±3891cm². Tube feeding was provided to patients with burns >40% TBSA. All patients tolerated gastric tube feeding without conversion to duodenal switch. On admission, all patients received prophylactic antibiotics. Septic shock was noted in 12 patients, but no mortality occurred. The mean hospital stay was 1.5 days per percent burn.

CONCLUSIONS

This article highlights the value of precise triage, traffic control, and effective resource allocation in treating a BMCI. Effective supporting systems for facility expansion, staff recruitment, medical supplies and clear-cut treatment strategies for severely burned patients are contributory factors leading to zero mortalities in our series, in addition to young age and minimal inhalation injuries. The need for reevaluation of the safety of cornstarch powder in festival activities is clear.