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Tempe FD looks into Color Run safety

Posted at 8:04 PM, Dec 02, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-02 22:04:49-05

The Tempe Fire Department said it is reviewing an upcoming color run event to make sure the powders used to douse runners are safe.

Assistant Chief Paul Nies said they decided to do some extra “due diligence” after ABC15aired a story about health and safety concerns with some of the powders used in similar events.

“I don’t think we had that on our radar until we looked at your piece,” Nies said. “What caught our eye was not only was it flammable but the carcinogens.”

A joint investigation conducted by Scripps television stations in Florida and Tennessee found that some powders can easily ignite. The stations also sent several samples to a lab to be tested.

The results confirmed that some powders contain metals, cancer-causing compounds, and chemicals similar to rat poison.

There are many companies who run events across the country. And the color run event in Tempe is scheduled for January 23.

Nies said Tempe immediately contacted the event organizer to request information about the specific powders the event plans to use. The department said it appears that the organizer has had independent tests to show their powder is safe.

Tempe is currently vetting that information, Nies said.