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Toxic dyes in Holi celebrations kill 1, hospitalize hundreds
This version of Toxic Dyes Holi Celebrations Kill 1 Hospitalize Hundreds Flna384645 - Breaking News | NBC News Clone was adapted by NBC News Clone to help readers digest key facts more efficiently.
5-year-old Ritika Borde, a victim of poisoning from colored powder and water used during Holi celebrations, stands in a queue to be treated at a government hospital in Mumbai, India, Friday, March 9, 2012. More than 140 children from Dharavi area of Mumbai were hospitalized following use of toxic colors, according to a news agency. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)Rajanish Kakade / AP
Vaishnavi Borde, a nine year-old Indian child, who is undergoing treatment after suffering from allergic reactions from coloured powder thrown during Holi Festival, reacts during a blood test at a hospital in Mumbai on March 9, 2012. A teenage boy has died and hundreds of others have been hospitalised in Mumbai due to suspected contaminated paint used in the IndianPUNIT PARANJPE / AFP - Getty Images
Relatives of 13-year old Viky Walmiki, who died from poisoning from colored powder and water used during Holi celebrations, gather outside his house in Mumbai, India, Friday, March 9, 2012. More than 140 children from Dharavi area of Mumbai were hospitalized following use of toxic colors, according to a news agency. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)Rajanish Kakade / AP
What traditionally are lighthearted Hindu celebrations of the arrival of spring, became deadly when hundreds of children came into contact with toxic colors used in the festivities. Viky Walmiki, 13-years-old, died after he was taken to the hospital with poisoning symptoms while celebrating in Mumbai. According to the Times of India, more than 200 people were admitted to hospitals "after they complained of giddiness, burning sensation on skin, nausea and vomiting." It is possible that leather tanners from a local dump got mixed up with the colors the children used to splash each other. Mumbai's Dharavi neighborhood is home to a leather tanning industry.
Police take notes as they speak to children suffering from poisoning from colored powder and water used during Holi celebrations, the Hindu festival of colors, in Mumbai, India, Thursday, March 8, 2012. More than 140 children from Dharavi area of Mumbai were hospitalized following poisoning from colored powder, according to a news agency. (AP Photo)AP
5-year-old Ritika Borde, a victim of poisoning from colored powder and water used during Holi celebrations, stands in a queue to be treated at a government hospital in Mumbai, India, Friday, March 9, 2012. More than 140 children from Dharavi area of Mumbai were hospitalized following use of toxic colors, according to a news agency. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)Rajanish Kakade / AP
