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<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="22588" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Henna">Henna</keyword> is associated with cultural celebrations in India, the Middle East, and South Africa. </li><li>Henna has also been adapted to replace everyday cosmetics. </li><li>With treatments such as henna brow tints and <keyword id="145595" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="freckles">freckles</keyword>, the possibilities seem never-ending.</li></ul>

4 beauty products you can replace with henna

Try henna powder to naturally color hair

How to create a natural, long-lasting lip stain with henna

How to achieve semipermanent freckles using henna dye

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"<keyword id="13062287" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="henna" source="Orion">Henna</keyword> freckles" is a popular TikTok trend where people use the dye to draw dots on their faces.</li><li>Some South Asian creators, for whom henna is a cultural symbol, say the trend is appropriative.</li></ul>Henna is a plant-based dye that many cultures across several continents have used as a form of body art for millennia. But over the past two years, a seemingly new use for henna has blown up on TikTok, where people use it to draw semipermanent freckles on their faces. The trend follows other popular fads like<a href="https://www.insider.com/mihenna-is-an-easy-do-it-yourself-henna-tattoo-kit-2020-11"> henna tattoos</a> and<a href="https://metro.co.uk/2015/10/24/white-henna-style-tattoos-are-the-latest-trend-in-temporary-body-art-5459942/"> white henna</a>. On TikTok, the #hennafreckles hashtag has 159 million views and the #henna hashtag has 6.6 billion views, with many of the top-liked videos showing creators, most of whom are white, using henna to paint freckles on their faces. Some South Asian creators on the app have spoken out against the trend, calling it an act of <keyword id="12175317" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="cultural-appropriation" source="Orion">cultural appropriation</keyword>. While various Middle Eastern, Asian, and African cultures use henna, creators belonging to these cultures argue the trend pushes white, Eurocentric <keyword id="11915641" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="beauty" source="Orion">beauty</keyword> standards that misuse henna and ignore its cultural value. More broadly, some South Asian creators and experts told Insider the trend reinforces a structure of racism that has developed on social media, saying they feel ignored by<a href="https://www.insider.com/a-timeline-of-allegations-that-tiktok-censored-black-creators-2021-7"> apps that platform white creators</a> who<a href="https://www.insider.com/alors-on-danse-black-tiktokers-crediting-shadowbanning-race-2021-12"> do not give credit for ideas</a> for content or trends that people of color originally introduced. <h2>Some creators say the trend misuses henna, a product with deep cultural significance </h2> In January, a 20-year-old Australian-Indian student, Jasmine Diviney, said she<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jazzmined/video/7052681646151126273?_t=8Q7EG16AGO6&amp;_r=1"> saw a TikTok video</a>, which has since been deleted, of "henna freckles" gone wrong, where the white creator warned her audience to do a patch test when trying the trend because her freckles ended up looking too large and she could not wipe them off. Diviney<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jazzmined/video/7052681646151126273?_t=8Q7EG16AGO6&amp;_r=1"> posted a response</a> to the video and wrote a caption that read, "Indians have been telling y'all not to use henna like this since day one but I guess y'all wanna learn the hard way." She told Insider that in India, where she's currently living, it's "common knowledge" not to use henna on the face because of how sensitive the skin is. The creator of the original TikTok did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Dermatologists warn that "henna freckles" can cause skin irritation, and recommend using natural henna dyes instead of products with chemicals and preservatives,<a href="https://www.allure.com/story/henna-freckles-technique-tiktok-trend"> according to the beauty magazine Allure</a>.Diviney's TikTok now has 970,000 views and sparked a debate in the comments, where some viewers accused her of trying to "claim" ownership of henna and exclude others from using it. "Indians are not just gatekeeping for the sake of gatekeeping," Diviney told Insider. "We are genuinely trying to help you by showing you how to use it in the appropriate way." Diviney described henna freckles as "cultural appropriation," which is when someone uses or adopts a practice from a different <keyword id="11899151" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="culture" source="Orion">culture</keyword>, often without showing proper respect for that culture.<div type="image" title="Diviney wearing henna as a young girl and holding up her hands." height="1000" width="750" msid="91578741" hostid="261"></div><a href="https://www.stu.ca/lnap/henna-its-history-and-cultural-significance/#:~:text=Today%2C%20Henna%20is%20mainly%20used,the%20love%20between%20two%20individuals.">According to St. Thomas University in Canada</a>, henna, known as mehndi in Hindi and Urdu, is traditionally applied to the hands and feet, normally at celebrations and weddings in South Asian communities. Middle Eastern and African cultures also use it to dye hair, nails, and fabrics. Lakshmi Nair, an 18-year-old Indian woman who was born in Canada, also spoke out against henna freckles<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@gorlgoneferal/video/6972697039775796485?_t=8RU8RuZJbPC&amp;_r=1"> on TikTok</a>. She told Insider she believes when people participate in trends that use henna "incorrectly," it "discredits" the significance of her culture and the way the product is typically used.<h2>The trend also promotes Eurocentric beauty standards, the creators said</h2>Ome Khan, a 30-year-old Pakistani-American who also<a href="https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMLXVAQRc/"> criticized henna freckles on TikTok</a>, told Insider that as a child, other kids would often mock her for wearing henna to school by calling her names like "poop hands" and "poop feet." She told Insider that white creators who "just want freckles" are the ones mainly taking part in the trend, and she said this feels problematic to her because "I don't know a lot of brown people who have freckles."<div type="image" title="A picture of Khan in a red dress holding a rose." height="1001" width="750" msid="91578743" hostid="261"></div>Anyone can have freckles, but<a href="https://www.insider.com/what-causes-freckles"> people with lighter skin are more likely than people with darker skin to have them</a>. Khan told Insider that she feels the trend promotes "Eurocentric" beauty standards and prioritizes freckles over more typical South Asian features. Lawyer and<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thesouthasianfeminist?lang=en"> anti-racism activist Kudrat Dutta Chaudhary</a> told Insider it is understandable that South Asian women feel this way about the trend, but also said it's important to note that some people of color, such as people from Latin American communities, have spoken out about being<a href="https://laist.com/news/on-life-as-a-freckle-faced-redheaded-mexican-american-from-southeast-los-angeles"> bullied</a><a href="https://hiplatina.com/freckled-latinas-nicknames/"> for</a> having freckles as children.<h2>Experts say when white creators benefit from beauty trends like this, they become even more harmful</h2>Khan and Nair, who both said they've been mocked for wearing henna, said the trend implies that South Asian culture is only "cool" when white creators show an interest in it, and they pointed to<a href="https://everydayfeminism.com/2016/05/yoga-cultural-appropriation/"> yoga</a> and<a href="https://uproxx.com/life/chai-tea-company-backlash-cultural-appropriation/"> chai</a> as other examples of how their culture has been "whitewashed" and reduced to "fads" and "trends." Chaudhary told Insider these comparisons are linked to a "colonial hangover." She said that the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indian-women-had-to-kill-themselves-and-other-bitter-stories-of-british-colonialism-revealed-in-a-podcast/articleshow/74169159.cms">notion that white people were intellectually and culturally superior to people of color</a> — reinforced when India was a colony of the British Empire, before it gained its independence in 1947 and established its constitution in 1950 — still persists against marginalized communities today.One consequence of this is that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/advertising/brands/article/fair-and-lovely-to-drop-fair-from-its-name-but-will-that-be-enough-to-appeal-to-new-age-consumers/articleshow/76631286.cms">skin-whitening</a> products, which are largely thought to promote Eurocentric beauty ideals, are still popular in India."Growing up in India, I noticed that any product that was endorsed by a white face was always seen as more legitimate. It makes sense then that these trends are often started by white people, and why henna isn't seen as 'cool' when a brown person wears it," Chaudhary said.<div type="image" title="A picture of Chaudhary smiling" height="546" width="728" msid="91578745" hostid="261"></div>Sunaina Maira, a<a href="https://culturalstudies.ucdavis.edu/people/sunaina-maira"> professor of Asian American Studies at UC Davis</a> in California, told Insider that while<a href="https://muse.jhu.edu/article/14606/"> cultures borrow from each other all the time</a>, particularly in fashion, it's still important to consider who is profiting from these trends."I think one has to challenge this debate and push it further by talking about things like who is making money from this, and who is getting left out, because those are the things that are harming people," she said. Lekha Nettem, a 20-year-old South Asian TikToker who<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@saddesigirl/video/6865511801069587718?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1"> decided to try henna freckles</a> despite the controversy surrounding the trend, told Insider she feels that as long as people buy their henna from women of color, for example at their local Indian market, they "keep her culture alive" and "stay more connected to the root of the cultural practice." However, Davina Rajoopillai, a marketing and advertising expert who<a href="https://www.wearebadlands.com/"> cofounded Badlands, a company focused on diversity in television and social media,</a> said that even if trends like this boost sales for products like henna, South Asian businesses should gain credit and equity on top of the profit. To achieve this, white creators would need to credit and promote these businesses for them to truly benefit, Rajoopillai told Insider, adding that TikTok should also make an effort to promote South Asian businesses, in the same way that<a href="https://creators.instagram.com/blog/instagram-enhanced-tags-creator-credits-announcement"> Instagram recently added new tags to help Black businesses</a> receive more credit on the app. TikTok did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Like Maira, Rajoopillai said these trends point to broader issues of inequality in the beauty industry, because South Asian women have had to "work hard at being represented." When white creators go viral for trends around South Asian products, it serves as a reminder of the "slow progress that has been made in recent years," she said.<h2>South Asian creators say that by speaking out, they hope to find productive solutions to issues of appropriation</h2>Khan and Nair told Insider they don't want to "cancel" people or "tell people what to do with their lives," but said they want people to become more "educated" about South Asian history by making an active effort to learn about the region's cultural practices.<div type="image" title="A picture of henna being applied" height="4160" width="5546" msid="91578746" hostid="261"></div>Khan suggested that if TikTok creators still want to try the trend, she would like to see them acknowledging and "telling the cultural story behind henna" as they're doing it.<a href="https://www.insider.com/culture">For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here.</a>

South Asian creators explain why a trend among white TikTokers to give themselves 'henna freckles' is so offensive

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Air India has implemented a new set of regulations regarding the appearance of its cabin crew.</li><li>One rule states that "crew with deep receding hairline must keep a clean shaved head/bald look."</li></ul>The Indian conglomerate Tata Group took over Air India in January. The new owners are turning to the appearance of their cabin crew as part of a bid to improve the airline's service and reputation, per <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/air-india-s-grooming-guidelines-trigger-murmurs-of-disapproval-101669287451785.html">The Hindustan Times.</a>A new 40-page booklet was disseminated to staff after a grooming policy meeting in October. The booklet outlines a host of new grooming regulations staff must adhere to both on and off shift, according to <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/air-india-s-grooming-guidelines-trigger-murmurs-of-disapproval-101669287451785.html">The Hindustan Times.</a>Some rules focus on cabin crew hair, especially if it indicates aging. Guidelines state: "Grey hair is not permitted. Grey hair must be regularly colored in [a] natural shade. Fashion colors and henna are not permitted," the report said.According to <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hair-india-airline-tells-bald-and-greying-cabin-crew-to-smarten-up-ptqk5xwq6">The</a><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/air-india-s-grooming-guidelines-trigger-murmurs-of-disapproval-101669287451785.html"></a><a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hair-india-airline-tells-bald-and-greying-cabin-crew-to-smarten-up-ptqk5xwq6"> Times,</a> male members of Air India's cabin crew with receding hairlines have been told to go for a "cleaner look" and shave their heads."Crew with deep receding hairline and male balding patches must keep a clean shaved head/bald look. Head must be shaved daily. Crew cut is not permitted," the new rules say.The staff has been told beards or five-o'clock shadows are not permitted, according to The Hindustan Times, with one rule stating: "Male crew must carry a shaving kit on every flight." Female staff should avoid blonde hair, high top knots, and low buns, The Times also reports.Male cabin crew members are allowed to wear wedding bands. Men can only wear bracelets can a symbol of the Sikh faith. The bracelets must have a maximum width of 0.5 cm and cannot boast any logos, stones, or designs. No other male jewelry is permitted, The Hindustan Times reported. Earlier this year, Tata Group <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/air-india-bmi-weight-check-rule-cabin-crew-protest-1903908-2022-01-24">circulated a new policy</a> that required Air India cabin crew to undergo body mass index and weight checks before flights.Air India argued that overweight crew could be a hazard in an emergency, but the Air India cabin crew union objected citing concerns about crew members' mental health and the lack of a medical professional present at the checks, <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/air-india-bmi-weight-check-rule-cabin-crew-protest-1903908-2022-01-24">India Today previously reported</a>. Aside from appearance, the new guidelines state that staff shouldn't post about any company issues, politics, or religion online, The Hindustan Times added.An Air India employee told The Hindustan Times that some staff are finding the rules overly strict: "Some think it is required for building the image of the airline, but others see it to be a little too much."

Air India has ordered its cabin crew to dye their gray hair, report says

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The research is mixed, but experts tentatively agree that it is safe to dye your hair while you're pregnant, especially after the first trimester.</li><li>Plant-based dyes such as henna or other all-natural hair dyes cut down on the risk posed by chemicals.</li><li>Use hair coloring procedures that don't touch your roots, such as balayage or foil highlights, to further avoid any chemicals coming into direct contact with your scalp.</li></ul><keyword id="6357793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pregnancy">Pregnancy</keyword> can be a time of joy, but it also brings many safety concerns. One question many expectant mothers may have is whether it is safe to dye their hair.While the research is mixed, experts tentatively agree that it is safe to dye your hair while you're pregnant, especially after the first trimester. However, there are some caveats and a lot of unknowns. Here's what you need to know about dyeing your hair while pregnant and the precautions to take to keep you and your baby healthy.<h2>Is hair dye safe during pregnancy? </h2>Hair dyes often contain a lot of chemicals, including ammonia,<a href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/parabens-cosmetics" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> parabens</a>, <a href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/phthalates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">phthalates</a>, and hydrogen peroxide, says <a href="https://www.medzino.com/us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kimberly Lang don, MD</a>, an OB-GYN at Medzino, an online service connecting patients to doctors and pharmacies. When you're pregnant, you want to minimize your exposure to any toxic ingredients.However, when it comes to hair dye, only a small amount of chemicals <a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/is-it-safe-to-dye-my-hair-during-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get absorbed through the scalp</a>. This means that the risk of those chemicals entering your bloodstream and reaching your baby is minimal. For this reason, the <a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/is-it-safe-to-dye-my-hair-during-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists</a> states that hair coloring during pregnancy is not toxic.That said, it's worth mentioning some of the limited studies that have found some risk in using hair dyes while pregnant:<ul><li>A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16049813/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2005 study</a> found a moderately raised risk of neuroblastoma (a type of nervous tissue tumor) in the children of 538 mothers who had used any kind of hair dye around pregnancy compared with 504 mothers who did not. Temporary hair dye had a stronger associated risk of neuroblastoma than permanent hair dye. A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25280392/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2014 study</a> found similar results, but researchers from both studies believe there should be more investigation.</li><li>There also are mixed results regarding hair dye and the development of testicular <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5817207/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">germ cell tumors</a> in the sons of mothers who dyed their hair while pregnant. Although a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29482183/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018 study</a> did not find a link, a more recent <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32581411/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 study</a> found testicular germ cell tumors were more common among children with mothers who had been exposed to synthetic chemicals in barbecued foods and hair dye while pregnant. </li></ul><h2>How can I color my hair safely while pregnant?</h2>You should always check with your OB-GYN first before dyeing your hair while pregnant. Once you and your OB-GYN have discussed it, here are a few ways to make hair dyeing as safe as possible:<ul><li>Wait until after your first trimester to get your hair colored, says <a href="https://babyscripts.com/aboutus.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lauren Demosthenes, MD</a>, a senior medical director with Babyscripts. This is when your unborn baby is rapidly developing, so it's an ideal time to err on the side of caution. After the first trimester, the <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/is-it-safe-to-use-hair-dye-when-i-am-pregnant-or-breastfeeding/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">risk of harm to your baby</a> is a lot smaller.</li><li>Skip the hair dye if you <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/hair-dye-and-pregnancy/faq-20058484" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have any cuts in the skin</a> on your scalp. Those cuts could increase the chance of chemicals getting absorbed into your skin and your bloodstream.</li><li>Use plant-based dyes such as henna or other all-natural dyes. Langdon says these can cut down on the risk posed by chemicals. Ask your hairstylist what's used in the salon's hair dye. Or, if you're DIYing it at home, read the ingredients list before you choose a kit.</li><li>Use hair coloring procedures such as balayage or <a href="https://americanpregnancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/hairtreatmentduringpregnancy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">foil highlights</a> that won't touch your roots. These methods help to avoid chemicals coming into direct contact with your scalp, says Langdon.</li><li>Practice some common sense for <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/hair-dyes.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hair coloring at home</a>. Wear gloves, only leave the dye on for the amount of time recommended by the instructions, and rinse your scalp thoroughly afterward. These practices are smart any time you dye your hair, even if you're not pregnant.</li><li>Keep COVID-19 risk in mind if you go to a salon. You don't want the double whammy of worrying about hair coloring and the coronavirus. To minimize your risk, go at a time when the salon is less busy, says <a href="https://www.columbiaobgyn.org/profile/lynn-l-simpson-md" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lynn L. Simpson, MD</a>, an OB-GYN and the Hillary Rodham Clinton Professor of Women's <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">Health</keyword> at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Make sure that both you and your hairstylist <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/general-business-faq.html#Reducing-the-Spread-of-COVID-19-in-Workplaces" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wear masks and use good hand hygiene</a>. </li><li>Color your hair in a well-ventilated room. Better ventilation can <a href="https://americanpregnancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/hairtreatmentduringpregnancy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lower your chances of breathing in chemicals</a>, which may be harmful to you and your developing baby. Better ventilation also lowers your risk of contracting COVID-19. At home, this means using an open area where you have a fan on or windows open. At a salon, <a href="https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/ventilation-and-coronavirus-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">avoiding crowds</a> can help with healthier air circulation.</li></ul><h2>Hair dye while nursing</h2>There's very little research that focuses on the use of hair dye while nursing, Langdon says. Health experts generally believe that <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/is-it-safe-to-use-hair-dye-when-i-am-pregnant-or-breastfeeding/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">it's fine to color your hair while breastfeeding</a> because the amount of chemicals that could reach your breastmilk is likely insignificant. <h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>If you want to dye your hair while pregnant, it's probably best to wait until after the first trimester. Moreover, make sure to dye your hair in a well-ventilated area and avoid dyeing the roots to minimize your risk of chemical exposure as much as possible.You should be able to feel and look your best during pregnancy, Simpson says. That said, don't do anything if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Even though the chemicals in hair dye are likely safe, it's always better while pregnant to use plant-based dyes to minimize your risk of chemical exposure. Whether you choose to color your hair at home or a salon, do it in a well-ventilated area and follow all instructions on how to use hair dye properly. <h1>Related stories about <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pregnancy</a>:</h1><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-helps-with-pregnancy-nausea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to reduce your pregnancy nausea</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/study-finds-no-safe-amount-coffee-for-pregnant-women-2020-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A study found there's no safe amount of coffee for pregnant women, conflicting with national health guidelines</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/when-do-pregnancy-cravings-start"></a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/is-tylenol-safe-for-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yes, Tylenol is safe for pregnancy. Here's the right dosage</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-get-a-flu-shot-while-pregnant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yes, you can get a flu shot while pregnant. Here's the best time to get it.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/ob-gyn-doctors-biggest-pregnancy-myths-debunked-2019-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Doctors debunk the 25 biggest pregnancy myths</a></li></ul>

Dyeing your hair while pregnant isn't a huge risk — here's how to minimize side effects

<keyword id="6355460" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi">Holi</keyword> or the Festival of Colours is just around the corner, all set to usher in a colourful spring after the austere winter and promising to bring the colour of joy and passion in our humdrum life. But before you start preparing for the traditional colour splash, have you got all the ingredients to make it a green Holi? <keyword id="2132784" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi-colours-industry">Holi colours industry</keyword> was pegged to <keyword id="30450" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Touch">touch</keyword> Rs 4,500 crore in 2012-13, according to an analysis by the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (<keyword id="6355988" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Assocham">Assocham</keyword>), and the numbers are sure to go up this year. Interestingly, the <keyword id="47445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-market">Indian market</keyword> has also witnessed a growing demand for hazard-free herbal colours. The market for <keyword id="2132783" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Herbal-dyes">herbal dyes</keyword> is estimated to be growing at 30-40% annually although the products are a bit expensive. 
 While a chemical-free colour plunge is the most desirable and eco-friendly way of celebrating Holi, you must walk through the market once to find out what’s in store. Broadly speaking, you will find three types of <keyword id="586078" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="chemical-colours">chemical colours</keyword> here – powders, pastes and wets or liquid ones. Most of these are chemical/synthetic dyes, containing substances such as <keyword id="2132786" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Oxides">oxides</keyword>, <keyword id="6395221" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="heavy-metals">heavy metals</keyword> (lead, chromium, nickel and cadmium), <keyword id="1322867" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="acids">acids</keyword>, <keyword id="2132787" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Alkalis">alkalis</keyword>, <keyword id="2132789" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Powdered-glass">powdered glass</keyword> and <keyword id="2132788" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mica-dust">mica dust</keyword> – all supremely harmful for your skin, hair and eyes. 
 The powders mostly have <keyword id="2132790" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Toxic-colorants">toxic colorants</keyword> and an asbestos/silica base; the pastes have a mix of toxic compounds and inferior quality oils and water colours include strong alkalis. No wonder we get itches, rashes, redness and swelling after a thorough colour soak, a colour-filled balloon attack or a terrific <keyword id="2132798" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pitchkari">pitchkari</keyword> fight. Also, darker shades like red, blue and green have high levels of chemicals, metal oxides and industrial dyes, which are used to provide thick texture. Shiny colours can also contain powdered glass. 
 
10 chemical colours that can harm you 
If you revel in rainbow hues and mostly buy synthetic colours, here’s a harm list for your ready reference. 
 
1. Abeer/Gulal: Popularly believed to be the least harmful of all chemical colours, this one contains a whole lot of mica dust that can cause <keyword id="100486" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Skin-irritation">skin irritation</keyword> and other infections. This <keyword id="2132796" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Powder-colour">powder colour</keyword> is available in many hues including red, pink, green, yellow and magenta. 
 
2. Red &amp; pink: These colours have mercuric oxide and rhodamine B; both can cause <keyword id="1654686" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="eye-irritation">eye irritation</keyword>, <keyword id="28956" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="skin-cancer">skin cancer</keyword> and more. 
 
3. Blue: Has <keyword id="890372" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prussian-blue">Prussian blue</keyword> that may cause contract dermatitis. 
 
4. Green: Contains copper carbonate/copper sulphate; this may cause severe eye <keyword id="6450271" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="allergy">allergy</keyword> or even temporary blindness. 
 
5. Yellow: Features auramine, which may cause eye and skin allergy, as well as respiratory and <keyword id="2132814" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Digestive-tract-irritation">digestive tract irritation</keyword>. 
 
6. Orange: Contains chromium Iodide, which is toxic to blood and liver. 
 
7. Violet: Has methyl violet; this can be carcinogenic and may cause severe eye irritation. 
 
8. Purple: Contains chromium iodide; this can also be carcinogenic and may cause <keyword id="6465125" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="asthma">asthma</keyword> or allergy. 
 
9. Silver: One of the components is aluminum bromide and it is also known to be carcinogenic. 
 
10. Black: Contains lead oxide, which may cause renal failure and learning disabilities in the long run. 
 
 
 
Go ‘natural’ to stay safe You can either buy herbal dyes or use home-made colours, which are clinically safe and totally <keyword id="6356826" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="environment">environment</keyword> friendly. The herbal variant is now easily available in the market and uses components such as flour, henna or arrowroot powder as base, and vegetable dyes to add colour. But before buying them, make sure they are non-carcinogenic, lead-free and lab-tested for safety. 
 You can also prepare <keyword id="583108" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi-colours">Holi colours</keyword> at home as you get some excellent colorants from certain flowers and plants. All you need to do is dry and powder them or soak/boil them in water. Add a little scented oil and eco-friendly Holi colours will be ready for use. Take a look at the 8 exotic colours you can prepare at home. 
 
1. <keyword id="2132779" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ruby-Red">Ruby Red</keyword>: Prepare red sandalwood powder/paste or mix it in plenty of water and boil for <keyword id="2132794" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Liquid-colour">liquid colour</keyword>. You can also crush dry red hibiscus flowers and boil it in water. Peels of red <keyword id="92372" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Pomegranates">pomegranates</keyword> or twigs of madar tree produce a vibrant red when boiled in water. Otherwise, put carrot or tomato juice in plenty of water to take the stickiness out and use it. 
 
2. <keyword id="2132806" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Turmeric-yellow">Turmeric Yellow</keyword>: This one is the easiest to make. Mix turmeric or haldi powder with double the amount of besan to prepare a vivid yellow powder. Flowers like marigold and yellow chrysanthemums can also be dried and crushed to obtain different shades of yellow. To produce liquid colours, mix any of these powders in plenty of water and boil it. 
 
3. Profound Pink/Magnificent Magenta: Soak sliced beetroot in lots of water for 12 hours or so before using the liquid. 
 
4. Sunny Orange: Put tesu or palash flowers (flame of the forest) in water and soak overnight. Or boil them in water for a vibrant yellow-orange shade. 
 
5. Emerald Green: Dried and powdered henna leaves will work best. For wet colour, soak the henna leaves overnight or prepare a paste of spinach/coriander/mint, and mix it in water. 
 
6. Turquoise Blue: Jacaranda and blue hibiscus flowers can be dried, powdered and used. 
 
7. Dark Brown: Boil tea leaves or coffee powder. Let it cool before using. 
 
8. Charcoal Black: Boil dried amla in an iron vessel and leave it overnight. Mix with water and use. 
 
3 tips for a ‘safe’ Holi 
1. Say ‘no’ to colours: Especially pastes and liquid colours, as these tend to stain the skin deeper and last longer. Avoid colours altogether if you are suffering from asthma, eye or <keyword id="624291" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Skin-infections">skin infections</keyword>, or any other chronic disease. 
 
2. Cover yourself well: The more you do that, the less exposed you will be to harmful chemicals. Wear full-sleeve dresses and don a pair of sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes. Apply baby oil, cream or waterproof <keyword id="74032" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sunscreen">sunscreen</keyword> lotion on your skin – so that the stains will get off easily. 
 
3. See your doctor: Don’t neglect post-Holi syndromes like skin or eye irritation. A mild anti-allergic and soothing skin lotion should be able to fix it, but severe allergy, <keyword id="2132809" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chemical-burn">chemical burn</keyword> or <keyword id="2132810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Retinal-damage">retinal damage</keyword> cannot be ruled out either. See your doctor as soon as you can and start proper treatment. 
 
Image credit: Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images

Usher In The Festival
Of Colours; Gear Up For A Chemical-free Holi

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Normal blood oxygen level is either 95%-100% SpO2 on an oximeter or 80-100 mm Hg from an ABG test.</li><li>ABG tests are more accurate than pulse oximeters, which have a margin of error of 2%-4%.</li><li>Chronic lung conditions and infections like COVID-19 can cause dangerously low blood oxygen levels.</li></ul>Normal blood oxygen levels mean that there is enough oxygen in your red blood cells to keep your vital organs and tissues functioning properly.Related Article Module: How a small device called a pulse oximeter measures blood oxygen levelsYou can easily check your blood oxygen levels with an oximeter, which provides readings in units of SpO2, a measure of oxygen saturation. A normal blood oxygen level for a healthy adult or child is typically around <a href="https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/pulseoximeter.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">95% to 100% SpO2</a>, says <a href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/specialists/lauren_ferrante" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lauren Ferrante</a>, MD, a pulmonologist at <a href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yale Medicine</a>. When SpO2 dips into the low 90s or below, it can lead to a condition called <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17727-hypoxemia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hypoxemia</a> - meaning low blood oxygen levels - which can damage your brain and heart and, in severe cases, prove fatal. There are certain infections and chronic <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> conditions that may reduce blood oxygen levels to dangerously low levels.<h2>Causes and symptoms of low blood oxygen levels</h2>Some of the most common causes of hypoxemia are <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17727-hypoxemia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heart and lung conditions</a>, including heart disease, sleep apnea, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (aka COPD), and <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/what-coronavirus-does-to-the-lungs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COVID-19</a>.Note: For some people, like those with chronic lung conditions, a <a href="https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/acl4222" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lower</a> oxygen level between 88% to 93% SpO2 may be considered normal, says Ferrante.Low blood oxygen, aka hypoxemia, can cause <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hypoxemia/basics/causes/sym-20050930" target="_blank" rel="noopener">symptoms</a> like:<ul><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Headache</li><li>Lightheadedness</li><li>Confusion</li><li>Restlessness</li><li>If left for too long your skin may turn blue, a condition called cyanosis</li></ul>According to the <a href="https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/pulse-oximetry.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Thoracic Society</a> (ATS), having a blood oxygen level below 89% SpO2 for a short period of time may not cause any harm. However, your cells - particularly those in your heart and brain - may be strained or damaged if low blood oxygen levels <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17727-hypoxemia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">persist</a> for a long time or if your oxygen levels drop repeatedly. Important: While checking your <a href="https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2020/aug/can-an-oximeter-help-detect-covid-19-at-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blood oxygen level</a> with a pulse oximeter isn't a substitute for a <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-at-home-covid-19-tests" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COVID-19 test</a>, it can help indicate that your condition is more serious than it seems. In severe cases, if your brain is getting less oxygen, the cells can start dying within <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001435.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">five minutes</a>. These conditions could potentially lead to <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001435.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">brain damage or death</a>. <h2>How to measure blood oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter</h2>Whether you're measuring your own blood oxygen levels at home or you're at a medical practitioner's, you'll typically use something called a <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-a-pulse-oximeter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pulse oximeter</a>, which is a small device that gently clips onto the end of your finger, says Ferrante. Checking your oxygen level with a pulse oximeter is a painless, non-invasive procedure that only takes a few minutes to set up. In fact, you can <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-pulse-oximeters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">purchase a pulse oximeter</a> to check your oxygen levels at home for as low as <a href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/covid-pulse-oximeter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$25</a>, says Ferrante. Oximeters are easily available online and in supermarkets, and don't require a prescription. <h2>How to use a pulse oximeter at home</h2><ul><li>Make sure the device has batteries and switch it on.</li><li>When you're comfortably seated, place your index or middle finger inside the pulse oximeter, with the nail facing upward. </li><li>Ensure that the finger doesn't have nail polish, artificial nails, tattoos, or henna on it, as that could affect the reading. You shouldn't be cold, shivering, or shaking either. Avoid moving your hand or finger while waiting for the reading.</li><li>In a few seconds, the device will display your blood oxygen level as %SpO2. It will also display your pulse as BPM.</li><li>A normal blood oxygen level reading for a typical adult should be between 95% and 100% SpO2.</li></ul>Ferrante recommends buying a pulse oximeter that also displays either waves or lines because this feature can help determine the accuracy of the reading. If the waves/lines go all the way to the top, it's a sign that the reading is accurate. However, if the waves/lines stay flat, or if each wave looks different, during the reading, it could indicate that the pulse oximeter isn't working as it should. Note: A <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMc2029240?url_ver=Z39.88-2003𝔯id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org𝔯dat=cr_pub++0pubmed%22%20%5Cl%20%22article_citing_articlesarticles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 study</a> found that the pulse oximeter readings may also be <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/pulse-oximeter-accuracy-and-limitations-fda-safety-communication" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less accurate</a> in people with darker skin tones.<h2>How to measure blood oxygen levels with a blood gas test</h2>Another way that medical practitioners check oxygen levels is through an <a href="https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/the-need-for-supplemental-oxygen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arterial blood gas</a> (ABG) test, measured in units of <a href="https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw2343" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PaO2</a>. This test involves drawing blood from an artery, typically in your wrist. A normal ABG reading for a healthy adult should be between <a href="https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/the-need-for-supplemental-oxygen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">80 mm Hg and 100 mm Hg</a>.Note: Elevated blood oxygen levels can lead to a condition called <a href="https://myhealth.ucsd.edu/RelatedItems/3,90904" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hyperoxia</a>. The excess oxygen can be poisonous to your system and harm the tissues in your lungs, leading to fluid buildup or a collapsed lung. It can occur in <a href="https://myhealth.ucsd.edu/RelatedItems/3,90904" target="_blank" rel="noopener">certain situations</a> if you're breathing high-pressure oxygen, from an oxygen cylinder, scuba diving tank, or a ventilator machine, says Ferrante.An ABG reading can be used to diagnose both high and low blood oxygen levels. So for instance, if a patient is on a ventilator, their healthcare provider may do an ABG test to ensure that the oxygen level on the ventilator is not too high, says Ferrante.An ABG test is also <a href="https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/pulse-oximetry.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more accurate</a> than a pulse oximeter reading - pulse oximeters can have a margin of error between <a href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/pulse-oximetry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2% to 4%</a>. <h2>What to do if you have abnormal blood oxygen levels</h2>If your blood oxygen levels are in the low 90% SpO2 range and your symptoms are mild, you should call your doctor and ask to be seen that day, says Ferrante. However, if your blood oxygen levels go below 90% SpO2 and/or you have moderate to severe symptoms, such as lightheadedness or shortness of breath, she recommends going to the emergency room.Low blood oxygen levels are treated with oxygen therapy, which involves <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/oxygen-therapy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">delivering oxygen</a> through a face mask, nose tubes, or endotracheal tube, which is inserted into your windpipe (aka trachea).If you are opting for oxygen therapy at home, you can use:<ul><li>Oxygen tanks: These are special tanks that carry liquid or gaseous oxygen. They need to be refilled periodically, once the oxygen supply is depleted. </li><li>Oxygen concentrator: This is a machine that derives oxygen from the air. It doesn't run out of oxygen and therefore doesn't need to be refilled.</li></ul>Depending on your oxygen levels and your health status, your doctor will determine how much oxygen you require, how frequently, and for how long. Oxygen therapy aims to keep your blood oxygen levels <a href="https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/the-need-for-supplemental-oxygen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">above 90%</a>. Important: If you're using an oxygen tank or concentrator at home, it's important that you follow instructions for use carefully as there's a risk of raising your blood oxygen levels <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430743/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">too high</a>. Symptoms of hyperoxia include:<ul><li>Coughing </li><li>Difficulty breathing</li><li>Chest pain</li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Blurry vision</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Confusion</li><li>Seizures </li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Measuring your blood oxygen level can help you determine whether your respiratory and circulatory systems are functioning as they should. The easiest way to monitor your blood oxygen levels at home is to use a pulse oximeter.Note that factors like nail polish, artificial nails, tattoos, henna, or even feeling cold can make a pulse oximeter's reading lower than what's actually going on in your body. So make sure you are using a finger, toe, or earlobe that is warm and doesn't have any dye on it. If you're otherwise healthy and your oxygen levels are consistently below 90% SpO2, Ferrante recommends going to the emergency room. Otherwise, if you have a chronic condition or infection, it's important to consult a healthcare professional about what levels are safe for your individual circumstance.<a data-type="5e7e4978671de03bcc630ed4">What is a ventilator? How the breathing machine can save lives</a><a data-type="5e7e39d714f18f7b6753c965">Respirators are more effective than surgical masks at protecting against infection - here's how they work and who should wear them</a><a data-type="5e6a5b99235c181751200f52">How do viruses spread and how to protect yourself against infection</a><a data-type="5e7bbe44ba85ee1d7f1c126d">Does copper kill germs? Yes, it's effective against COVID-19 within 4 hours</a>

How to easily monitor your blood oxygen levels at home to make sure you're within a normal, safe range

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A pulse oximeter is a small device that can measure the oxygen saturation in your blood. </li><li>Pulse oximetry is useful for people with chronic <keyword id="49477" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="lung">lung</keyword> or <keyword id="24479" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="heart">heart</keyword> conditions, who need to monitor how well oxygen is being sent from the heart and lungs out to the furthest parts of the body. </li><li>To use a pulse oximeter, you'll clip the device on your toe, finger, or earlobe — here's to use it properly so you can get an accurate reading. </li><li>This article <a href="https://www.insider.com/insider-medical-review-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was medically reviewed</a> by <a href="https://health.tamu.edu/experts/jason-mcknight.html">Jason R. McKnight</a>, MD, MS, a family medicine physician and clinical assistant professor at <a href="https://medicine.tamu.edu/">Texas A&amp;M College of Medicine</a>. </li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.</a></li></ul>A pulse oximeter is a small device that typically clips on to your finger, toe, or earlobe to measure oxygen levels in the blood. Pulse oximetry is a quick and easy way to determine how well oxygen is being sent from the heart and lungs out to the furthest parts of the body, which can help determine if your heart and lungs are functioning properly. Pulse oximeters can be used to gauge warning signs for chronic lung or heart conditions, and may help determine whether you should seek medical attention for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-pneumonia-signs-over-the-counter-pulse-oximeter-2020-4">the coronavirus</a>. Here's what you need to know about what exactly a pulse oximeter measures, how it works, and how you can use it properly. <h2>What does a pulse oximeter measure? </h2>A <a href="https://natajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.4085/070274">pulse oximeter</a> measures the oxygen saturation of your blood. Essentially, this percentage is a calculation of how much oxygen is in the blood, with 100% being 'fully saturated' and the optimal level. And while this simple non-invasive medical tool is available over the counter in many pharmacies, it's not necessary for most people. "Unless you have a chronic heart or lung condition that affects your oxygen saturation on a regular basis, most individuals don't need one in their home," says Albert Rizzo, MD, Chief Medical Officer for the <a href="https://www.lung.org/media/meet-our-experts/al-rizzo">American Lung Association</a>. Those with lung or heart conditions — such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart failure — may be prescribed <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/home-oxygen-treatment/">home oxygen therapy</a> by their doctor, says Rizzo, and a pulse oximeter can help them to monitor whether the use of oxygen at home is improving their condition or not.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-pneumonia-signs-over-the-counter-pulse-oximeter-2020-4">Pulse oximeters</a> have also been used to indicate severe cases of COVID-19. That's because the coronavirus can cause a decrease in blood oxygen levels — though if this occurs, it's likely that you'll recognize other symptoms before needing to use a pulse oximeter. In fact, Rizzo says that oxygen saturation by itself is often not the best indicator of medical conditions, and other symptoms are just as important to tell your doctor. Other warning signs of low blood oxygen levels may include: <ul><li>Increased heart rate</li><li>increased breathing rate</li><li>Feeling shortness of breath or gasping for air</li><li>Inability to do an activity that you did before without getting out of breath</li></ul>For everyday <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword>, you shouldn't rely on pulse oximeter readings alone, says William Berry, Research Scientist at <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/william-berry/">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</a>. The oximeter numbers are only estimates of your blood oxygen levels — and they should be taken in context. <h2>How does a pulse oximeter work? </h2>To get the most accurate reading on a pulse oximeter, there are a few simple steps, according to the <a href="https://www.who.int/patientsafety/safesurgery/pulse_oximetry/who_ps_pulse_oxymetry_tutorial2_advanced_en.pdf?ua=1.">World Health Organization</a>: <ul><li>Position the probe correctly. Depending on the device, this will usually be on the finger, toe, or earlobe. Make sure it is well-fitted, and not being forced on: for example, try the second toe rather than the big toe. If the probe is too loose or too tight, it may allow extra light in, which will impact the reading.</li><li>Make sure you're sitting still. Shaking or shivering will affect the reading, and may make it seem much lower than it actually is. </li><li>Remove any nail polish. If you're wearing colored nail polish, this might affect the reading. Finger tattoos or henna dye can also affect the reading: in this case, choose a different finger, toe, or earlobe. Cold fingers or toes can also cause false readings. </li></ul>There are many types of pulse oximeters, which come with varying features and are sold at a range of prices, so you'll want to find the <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-pulse-oximeters">best pulse oximeter</a> for your purposes. A<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27164204"> 2016 comparison</a> between the accuracy of the pocket or standard pulse oximeter found that the standard oximeter had a precision error of 1.8%, while the pocket version showed 2.21% error. One <a href="https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-018-0283-1">2018 study</a> of pulse oximeters used in heart patients suggested that earlobe probes had greater accuracy. If you think your pulse oximeter might not be accurate, Rizzo suggests checking the pulse reading or heart rate on the pulse oximeter against <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-check-your-heart-rate">your own reading of your pulse.</a><h2>How to read a pulse oximeter </h2>According to <a href="https://www.who.int/patientsafety/safesurgery/pulse_oximetry/who_ps_pulse_oxymetry_training_manual_en.pdf">WHO</a>, a reading of 95% to 100% on the pulse oximeter is considered healthy and isn't a cause for concern. If you have no underlying medical conditions, your levels should generally be at 95 or higher. But for people with chronic conditions, it's important to talk with your doctor about what the appropriate reading should be for you, and when you should seek medical attention. For reference, lower levels of <a href="https://www.who.int/patientsafety/safesurgery/pulse_oximetry/who_ps_pulse_oxymetry_training_manual_en.pdf">blood oxygen saturation</a> may indicate: <ul><li>Blocked airways</li><li>Difficulty breathing </li><li>Lung infection</li><li>Poor blood circulation </li><li>Drug interference from anesthesia, muscle relaxants, or anaphylaxis</li></ul>In addition, if your pulse oximeter reading drops during exercise, Rizzo says it can be a sign of an underlying lung or heart condition and you should speak with your doctor. <h2>Related articles from our <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a> library:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-a-ventilator">What is a ventilator? How the breathing machine can save lives</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-respirators-work">How respirators work, and who needs to wear a face mask</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-reuse-a-face-mask">Can you reuse a face mask? It won't be as effective if you do</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-an-effective-face-mask-at-home-2020-3">How to make an effective face mask at home</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-fever-without-a-thermometer">How to tell if you have a fever without a thermometer</a></li></ul>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-a-pulse-oximeter">Insider</a>

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