Gulaal Quality Check: Holi festival is now just a few days away. Preparations have started in homes, markets are filled with colors and gulal. Everyone wants this time’s Holi to be memorable. But for the sake of shiny packets and cheap prices, people often buy colors which contain dangerous chemicals.

These colors can cause problems related to skin, eyes and breathing. Therefore, before playing Holi, it is important to know the quality of the Gulal you are buying. Is it safe or not? The good thing is that with some easy methods you can identify real and fake gulal in two minutes. Know the methods.

Test by smelling and mixing in water

Before buying gulal, smell it slightly. If the smell seems very strong and chemical-like, then be careful. The fragrance of organic or herbal gulal is usually mild and natural. The second method is water test. Put some gulal in a glass of water. If the color dissolves easily and no heavy particles settle at the bottom, then it is a good sign. But if the color floats on top or something like garbage settles below. So don’t use it. This could be a sign of adulteration.

Identify real gulal by rubbing it and reading the label

Take some gulal on your palm and rub it. Real and safe gulal feels very soft. If there are coarse particles or shining particles visible in it. So it can harm the skin. Also read the information written on the packet carefully. Just being herbal is not enough. The ingredients should include turmeric, sandalwood, flower powder or other natural things. Buy only from trusted brands.

What harm can happen from fake gulal?

Cheap and adulterated gulal often contains chemicals which are harmful for the body. These may contain elements like lead, mercury or chromium. Sometimes fine glass particles are also added to make the color brighter. Such gulal can cause itching, red rashes and burning sensation on the skin. If it gets into the eyes, it can cause serious irritation. People who have allergy or asthma problems. This may prove to be more dangerous for them. Therefore, it is not wise to decide just by looking at the color.

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