Almost 500 revelers were seriously injured in a suspected dust explosion at a rave party in New Taipei, northern Taiwan, on Saturday. Most of the injuries sustained were first- to third-degree burns and physical trauma caused by the ensuing stampede. Although the tragic incident is still under investigation, experts agree it was most likely a dust explosion triggered when the colored powder being sprayed into the air was ignited by electrical sparks and/or some other form of fire.

Creating "colorful clouds" with dyed fine powder has become popular with daytime partygoers in recent years. The most common dyed powder used on such occasions is extremely fine cornstarch colored with edible dyes as it is harmless to the human body and environment. The rave in Taiwan that took such a tragic turn also used this kind of dyed powder.

Dust explosion is a fairly common industrial hazard in coal mines, printing shops and grain silos because these venues have the necessary conditions: combustible fine particles mixed with oxygen (air) in high enough concentration in a closed environment, and a fire source.

It apparently did not occur to the organizers of the New Taipei event that a dust explosion could happen in an open space and even while using slightly moist cornstarch.

Now we know an explosion like this can happen even with slightly moist cornstarch in an open space. The video footage of accident suggests there was almost no wind, allowing colored fine powder to reach the right concentration in the air for an explosion. Local authorities across Taiwan have issued a sweeping ban on the use of "colorful clouds" for now, but what about Hong Kong?

According to reports, at least two public events will be held in Hong Kong later this year where colored fine powder will be used. Although the organizers of those celebratory gatherings have promised extra precautionary measures to prevent any accident - particularly explosion or fire - we have very good reason to be worried because both events will be held indoors at the AsiaWorld-Expo. The organizers must inform the public of the potential risk of attending these events in addition to taking all necessary measures to prevent a similar tragedy from happening here.

So far we have not heard the organizers of these events pledge that they will forego the use of "colorful clouds" altogether. That is why we strongly urge them to seriously consider a change of plan, not just for the fact that dyed power such as cornstarch is a public safety hazard but also because it is a waste of precious food. After all, we don't believe anyone can convince the public that such a potentially disastrous special effect is absolutely necessary at any public gathering.

Instead of spending extra cash on precautionary measures and hiring more people for emergency assistance, why not eliminate the risk completely by not using any potentially dangerous material and/or device at all? Better yet, why not donate the money to some worthy charitable endeavor instead of "burning" it just for "fun"? With the New Taipei tragedy still fresh in their minds, who can possibly enjoy inhaling colored dust anyway knowing it could ignite and explode?

(HK Edition 06/29/2015 page8)