Taiwan explosion sparks concern over dangers of colored powder

On June 27, almost 500 people were injured in a horrific incident at a water park in Taiwan when a colored powder exploded. As of August 12, eleven people have died and dozens of victims remain in intensive care. Some of the injured suffered burns on 80 to 90 percent of their bodies. This incident cast a spotlight on the potential dangers of this powder, which is used especially in North America at events like color runs. Few people realize that the powder is readily ignitable when dispersed as a dust cloud. Corn starch, the primary ingredient in the powder...