Is there any benefit or harm to the skin by giving vermilion on the head?

Sindur is a red colored powder widely used in many ceremonies of the subcontinent which is currently causing various damage.

In the past there was a practice of making vermilion with various natural ingredients, but now various chemical ingredients are mixed with it. Some vermilion factories use lead tetroxide for the red color.

Vermilion contains mercury and red lead (lead) which are toxic substances. Due to high levels of lead in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration recalled batches of vermilion from several manufacturers in 2008.

Studies have shown that the situation in India is even worse. The lead content in vermilion is much higher than the average in the USA. Lead is a carcinogenic substance that causes cancer and several other diseases.

The chemicals used to make the red powder can cause hair loss, skin rashes and itching. Also mercury sulphite content used in making vermilion can be responsible for skin cancer.

If this vermilion is ingested or inhaled, it can have adverse effects on the kidneys and brain. A few days ago, a man in India was forced to be admitted to the hospital because of eating vermilion.

Harmful chemicals in vermilion such as powdered crude lead, synthetic dyes, other synthetic dyes, mercuric sulphite and rhodamine B dye often cause problems like genetic diseases, dandruff problems and itching.

We should be careful when using vermilion and it is important to formulate policies and take necessary steps to determine which substances can be used and which substances cannot be used in making it.