Color runs have become an extremely popular form of 5K running events in recent years. Participants wear white at the starting line and are doused with colored powder at stations along the route. The vibrant colors make for a visually stunning spectacle as runners cross the finish line covered in splashes of bright hues. However, some health and safety concerns have been raised regarding the colored powder used at these events.
Color runs go by names like The Color Run, Color Me Rad, and Holi Festival Runs. They originated as early as 2004 and surged in popularity around 2011. By 2015, there were more than 300 color runs held globally with millions of participants. These untimed events cater to casual runners and walkers as a fun way to get outdoors and active with friends. The colorful powder is the main appeal andwhat makes color runs stand out from traditional 5Ks.
What is the Colored Powder Made of?
Color run powders are made of food-grade colors, also referred to as FD&C colors or artificial food dyes. They can be water- or cornstarch-based. The most commonly used pigments are:
- FD&C Blue No. 1
- FD&C Red No. 40
- FD&C Yellow No. 5
- FD&C Yellow No. 6
These artificial food dyes are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics. The FDA regulates them for safety when used properly.
Health Concerns About Food Dyes
While the FDA considers food dyes safe in the amounts used in foods and color runs, some health concerns have emerged:
Allergic Reactions
Food dyes, like any food ingredient, have the potential to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms may include hives, swelling, itching, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.
Hyperactivity in Children
Several studies have found a link between food dyes and hyperactive behavior in children. A meta-analysis found synthetic food colors increase hyperactivity symptoms in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Carcinogenic Risk
There are concerns that food dyes like Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5 may have carcinogenic effects. However, most research has found no conclusive cancer risk in humans from food dyes at approved levels.
| Dye | Carcinogenic Concerns |
|---|---|
| Red No. 40 | Caused cancer in lab animals at very high doses |
| Yellow No. 5 | Mixed evidence from animal studies |
Safety Issues for Color Run Workers
While color runs are a short exposure for participants, workers who repeatedly handle and disperse the powders have raised health concerns. They report respiratory symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, and lung irritation after working multiple events.
Are the Amounts of Dye Safe?
Color run participants are exposed to much lower levels of food dye compared to the amounts used in foods. The FDA places strict limits on how much synthetic dye can be used in food products:
| Dye | Maximum Amount Allowed in Food |
|---|---|
| Red No. 40 | 50 mg per kg food product |
| Yellow No. 5 | 100 mg per kg food product |
By comparison, a 150-pound person would be exposed to only 2-4 grams of dye powder during a color run. This is well below the FDA limits and unlikely to pose a health risk for most people.
Tips for Safer Participation
While occasional color run participation is unlikely to be harmful for most people, there are some simple precautions runners can take:
- Avoid ingesting the powder. Be careful around your nose and mouth.
- Wear protective eyewear like sunglasses.
- Use a face mask or cover your nose and mouth, especially if you have respiratory issues.
- Wear a hat to protect your scalp and hair.
- Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water after the race.
- Change clothes after the race to avoid prolonged skin contact.
- Avoid color runs if you have asthma or known food dye allergies.
Conclusion
While color runs involve some health and safety considerations, occasional participation is unlikely to cause harm for most people. The FDA-approved food dyes used are considered safe in small amounts. People at risk for allergies or with asthma/respiratory issues should take extra precautions or avoid exposure. For many participants, the benefits of an energetic and motivating event outweigh the minimal risks from short-term food dye exposure.