You know that food coloring is horrible to ingest, but did you know that the same effects can happen just by allowing it to touch the skin?  The skin is the largest organ and acts as a sponge to anything that can be absorbed. 

Did you know that the dye seeps through the shell of the eggs and will be eaten along with the hard boiled eggs?  Yep.  That's right - you may think you are just decorating the eggs, but reality is that you are allowing the dyes into your children (or yourself).

Dye-Free Easter Egg Decorating

Dying Eggs with Foods

Washable Paints:  Allison from No Time for Flashcards makes it easy for kids to color eggs in a plastic bag! Just squeeze in some washable paints with the egg and shake up for little-to-no clean-up for parents!  

Liquid Water Color Eggs

Melted Crayons Easter Eggs:  If you love the melted crayon look, check out how A Thrifty Mom creates bright, beautiful eggs! 

GLITTER EGGS!!

Decoupage Eggs:  Oh the toddlers will love tearing up tissue paper for this one!

Older kids will love these:

Puffy Eggs:  Using puff paint, kids decorate their eggs and let them dry.  You can paint them anyway you'd like afterward!

Bird Eggs: Grab the feathers, google eyes, and everything else craft-related for these fun eggs!

A little background on food dyes...

According to the FDA, in 2007 Americans were consuming five times more artificial food colorings than they were in 1955. That number in no way has decreased in the last decade. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of these dyes, even as they are band in other countries across the world due to their significant side effects. Countries throughout Europe have banned food dyes and insisted on strong labeling with warnings including all health risks to these dyes.  But yet, here in the United States we not only promote the use of dyes, but they are included as ingredients within our health-boosting supplementation and medications.

The seven FDA approved food dyes include: 

• FD&C Blue No. 1 – Brilliant Blue FCF, E133
• FD&C Blue No. 2 – Indigotine E132
• FD&C Green No. 3 – Fast Green FCF, E143
• FD&C Red No. 40 – Allura Red AC, E129
• FD&C Red No. 3 – Erythrosine, E127
• FD&C Yellow No. 5 – Tartrazine, E102
• FD&C Yellow No. 6 – Sunset Yellow FCF, E110

Some of these artificial colors (Yellow Dye 5 & 6) are derived from toxic coal tar.  Coal tar is a mixture of many chemicals, derived from petroleum. It is recognized as a human carcinogen. These colors may also be contaminated with low levels of heavy metals and even be combined with aluminum substrate. Aluminum compounds and many heavy metals are toxic to the brain. Coal tar is used for purposes such as: roofing, outdoor sealants, exterior paints, and heating. This should obviously NOT be ingested. (source)

Current research is working towards providing a link from artificial dyes to potential autism trigger, sleep disturbances, and other chronic problems in children. Previous studies show links to artificial dyes and cancer, hyperactivity, ADHD, allergies, and sterility.  (Source)

Each dye can be traced to its own set of possible side effects:

Blue Dye No. 1 can cause hyperactivity, skin rashes, bronchoconstriction – especially when combined with other artificial colors- and chromosomal damage. It may also cause issues with the gastrointestinal tract while inhibiting cell respiration and lead to ADHD, asthma, and other allergic reactions. (This dye is banned in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Norway Switzerland, and Sweden.) New studies show that Blue Dye is also absorbed through the skin. 

Blue Dye No. 2 is a synthetic coal tar dye commonly added to pharmaceutical drugs and is also used as a medical diagnostic aid.  The dye, which is banned in Norway, has been known to cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, skin rashes, breathing problems, brain tumors and other allergic reactions.

Green Dye  is linked to tumors and gene mutations in test animals. It can cause allergy-like reactions, hyperactivity in children and potential cancer. Asthmatics and those intolerant to aspirin are at increased risk of a reaction to this dye, which is prohibited throughout Europe.  

Red Dye No. 3 has been shown to cause cancer in lab animals.

Yellow Dye No. 5 is one of the most dangerous artificial colors.  Derived from Coal Tar, the dye is linked to cancer and provokes asthma attacks, skin reactions, and hyperactivity in children. It has been banned in Norway, Austria, and Finland.

Yellow Dye No. 6 is linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, nausea, and nasal congestion. It is often used in medications and supplements Yellow Dye #6 is banned in Finland, Norway, and the UK. Unfortunately, these reactions and their connections to artificial food dyes have largely been dismissed by the FDA. 

In 2004, an analysis of fifteen studies found evidence that artificial colors worsen the behavior of children with ADHD.  Even after studies found that artificial dyes affect the behavior of children without behavioral disorders, the FDA continues to deny any significant link between food dyes and behavioral problems. By eliminating food dyes and food additives, studies have continuously shown increased improvements in children’s behavior.