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Color run risks: The hidden danger of colored powders

Every color in the rainbow sprinkles down on thousands of runners in Central Florida each year.

Color run races make for fun photos, but Channel 9 found out they also come with risks.

“If someone was to light up a cigarette and the conditions were right, the moisture was low, then it could cause a fire,” said Richard Blair, a chemistry research professor at the University of Central Florida.

Colored powder shot into the air during a Taiwan concert two years ago ignited and injured nearly 500 people.

“The material has to be stirred up. So the dust has to be suspended, like you would in a color run,” Blair said.

Blair tested three brands of colored powder bought online, although some types are homemade with corn starch.

He used the pink from the Chameleon Colors brand first.

When he put the powder in a funnel and used an air compressor to blow it out, it ignited.

The same happened with a green powder from the Dream Color brand.

The orange powder from Rangoli was the only test that didn’t ignite.

But a flour-based homemade recipe ignited under the test.

Should someone decide to make or buy colored powder to use for a birthday, gender-reveal party, or anything else, Blair recommends being cautious of open flames, like birthday candles.

Blair said weather conditions may also affect flammability.

“Very dry conditions, those where it hasn’t rained in a long time,” he said.

Blair also said color run racers should keep an eye out for smokers or machines that could cause a spark.