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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Ashland police find suspected car thief asleep in stolen vehicle ... Cooking oil fire damages SOU-owned home, displaces two ... Rogue Valley pair hope supporters will breathe life into 'Don't Die' ... Ashland police find suspected car thief asleep in stolen vehicle ... Cooking oil fire damages SOU-owned home, displaces two ... Rogue Valley pair hope supporters will breathe life into 'Don't Die' ... SINCE YOU ASKED Color Run powder can cause health problems Dyed cornstarch thrown at running events Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted May. 22, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted May. 22, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News Is it safe to breathe in the colored powder thrown at Color Run events, like the one recently held in Medford? — David, Medford "It's a good question. I've had a few patients ask me that," said Dr. Kevin Parks of the Allergy and Asthma Center of Southern Oregon. "For most people, it's not a problem. The crowd that does a 5K tends to be healthy." But for people with health problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inhaling the powder can irritate the airways in the same way that breathing in dust, wildfire smoke and other pollutants can cause irritation, Parks said. Color Run events have grown in popularity around the globe, with runners doused in colored powder along routes. The events often end with participants throwing up more powder in the air, which creates multi-colored clouds that envelop finishers. According to thecolorrun.com , the powder is made with non-toxic dyed cornstarch. "As with any substance, you want to keep it out of your eyes and our 'certified' color throwers make sure to aim low as you pass by. Some Color Runners opt to wear glasses or goggles for their eyes and use a bandana or dust mask for their mouths," the website said. Parks said irritants in the airways can cause an inflammation response, leading to a thickening of the mucous lining. Sensitive groups experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and may need to use a rescue inhaler. Symptoms can last for days after exposure, he said. "The reaction can happen not just during the run. People may get through the run just fine because they have a lot of adrenaline. Later in the day, they may have symptoms," Parks said. "But most people are very unlikely to have trouble with cornstarch." Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. MailTribune.com Writer Posted May. 22, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501