Colour Run looks fun – but is it safe for children?

I HAVE just read the article on the Colour Run at Vazon, it looked like everyone was having fun and of course it’s all for charity.

Sounds like a good idea, but I have always had my doubts about the health implications of breathing in this powder, especially for children. If you research the components of the powder the manufacturer states it is 100% safe, non-toxic corn starch with FDA-approved dye. They also recommend sunglasses/goggles and masks are worn and the powder is only in contact with the lower half of the body, which is impossible.

Clinicians who have studied the effects on the lungs state inhalation can cause long-term damage, especially in children, and particles get absorbed into the bloodstream. If you are asthmatic it can exacerbate symptoms.

I don’t want to be a killjoy as I can see it is a lot of fun, but for children especially, is it safe?

SUE COCKAYNE

Response from the organiser of Islands Colour Run:

As your reader states, the powder paint is 100% safe, non toxic with FDA approval for these events that are held worldwide. The powder is corn starch with cosmetic/food grade colouring, safe for the skin and ingestion.

The manufacturer that I use does not stipulate that the powder paint needs to be only thrown on the lower half of the body.

In my research, I have not found any clinical trials that support the comments of your reader.

The run is also outdoors with excellent ventilation from the sea breeze.

Sunglasses are recommended and we provide every participant with a pair.

We also have St John volunteers present on site.

We put polite notices up at Vazon to make the public aware that the event is happening in the forthcoming days, so anyone who wishes to avoid the event can do so easily.